UV Radiation rates to kill ich?

Enderg60 · Jun 29, 2022

We have access to sizing charts such as the aqua UV chart located here.

https://www.aquaultraviolet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/UV-Charts-Salt-and-Fresh-Water-Web.pdf

But the highest radiation rate they show is 90,000 um/cm2, and it doesnt really explain what radiation rates kill what. A while back I remember finding a good post somewhere that had articles stating 180,000 um/cm2 would sterilize ich and crypto, and that 336,000 um/cm2 was required to kill it outright.

I cant seem to find these articles or any source for these numbers. Can anyone help find them?

livinlifeinBKK · Jun 29, 2022

Have you read about the effects of using hydrogen peroxide with a UV for ich control (UV makes the peroxide even more effective apparently)? I've used peroxide once or twice before to fight velvet in emergencies and I feel it helped a lot...with that being said, I'd only use peroxide in certain situations where my options were limited but idk what your circumstances are...worth looking into

Enderg60 · Jun 30, 2022

Cool, Ill have to look that up for my QT system. Im more just looking for something to verify the numbers I keep seeing thrown around for the UV radiation.

blaxsun · Jun 30, 2022

I believe 90,000 is the starting point with something around 360,000 required to kill it outright (what effect that level would have on the rest of the tank is anyone's guess, though).

I run somewhere between 135,000-150,000 on my system.

Enderg60 · Jul 5, 2022

Yes but where do those numbers come from? There must be an actual source out there.

DCR · Jul 5, 2022

There is no universally accepted number. Each UV supplier seems to have their own recommendations based on whatever experience/information they have. Pentair recommends much higher numbers than Aqua UV.

piranhaman00 · Jul 5, 2022

There is actually data with freshwater ich, there is no ich in saltwater, it is crypto and the results are extrapolated for crypto. I have seen data that says >1,000,000 is needed if a single pass.

SilenaAdams · Jun 5, 2023

Finding specific information about UV radiation rates to kill ich can sometimes be a challenge. While the Aqua UV chart you mentioned provides some guidance, it doesn't go into detail about the specific rates required to eliminate ich.

LucyPineda · Jun 21, 2023

You can try searching for discussions on UV sterilization and ich treatment. Additionally, reaching out to experienced aquarists or consulting with professionals in the field might yield valuable information. To track down the articles you're looking for, I'd suggest doing a thorough online search using relevant keywords. It's possible that the information you seek might be buried in forums, scientific papers, or specialized websites. Patience and persistence can often pay off in these situations. By the way, if you're interested in measuring and monitoring electromagnetic radiation, you might want to check out the Safe and Sound Pro II RF meter. It's a useful tool for detecting and assessing RF radiation levels.