Live rock safety with UV-C?

[littlehermit0]

Most things added to my tank are always bleached, and should be to make it safe. for example shells for hermit crabs or just dry live rocks, but instead of bleaching for 2 days, will UV C safely make the things safe? I've got a lamp that's strong eliminating bacteria fungus and other things
Which one is more effective uv or bleaching?
Also stupid question but apparently you can eliminate ich with an uv lamp is this true?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Most things added to my tank are always bleached, and should be to make it safe. for example shells for hermit crabs or just dry live rocks, but instead of bleaching for 2 days, will UV C safely make the things safe? I've got a lamp that's strong eliminating bacteria fungus and other things
Which one is more effective uv or bleaching?
Also stupid question but apparently you can eliminate ich with an uv lamp is this true?

Bleaching is more effective than exposure to UV, but must be rinsed well afterwards.

Are you talking about using a UV C emitting lamp to kill things on surfaces? That only works for smooth surfaces materials, the light obviously wouldn’t get into the spirals of a snail shell for example.

UV sterilizers, properly sized can limit ich infections, but usually cannot fully eliminate an active ich infection.

 

[livinlifeinBKK]

Bleaching is more effective than exposure to UV, but must be rinsed well afterwards.

Are you talking about using a UV C emitting lamp to kill things on surfaces? That only works for smooth surfaces materials, the light obviously wouldn’t get into the spirals of a snail shell for example.

UV sterilizers, properly sized can limit ich infections, but usually cannot fully eliminate an active ich infection.

I'd go with the bleach or diluted muriatic acid as well due to its effectiveness. Bleach isn't quite as much of a hazard for disinfection (as I'm sure you're well aware but others may not be) since residual chlorine which may have not been completely rinsed away will evaporate in the sun rather quickly.

 

[littlehermit0]

Are you talking about using a UV C emitting lamp to kill things on surfaces? That only works for smooth surfaces materials

What I thought too, but some rays can pass through objects, but I'll continue the bleach method.