New UV sterilizer is so bright I can see it through the fittings?

[blecki]

I have a 57 watt aqua ultraviolet UV sterilizer on my 235 gallon reef. Not sure I need it since all my fish died, but the money is already spent and it's wet so returns are not possible.

But the bulb is so bright it shines through the PVC at the connections to the unit. The unit itself appears fine, but the PVC fitting I threaded into the reducing bushing that came pre-attached is glowing neon green around the threads and the pipe beyond it is green as well. I did not use the 2 barb fittings that came with it, as I'm not using vinyl, but am now wondering if them being black would have helped.

How big of a problem is this, on a scale of eye-ball cancer from staring at it to pipes exploding?

 

[vtecintegra]

I'm using black barbs. I don't see any light with them. The only light I see is on the end where the power wire goes in.

 

[Pico bam]

Hmm take a picture if you can. To my knowledge it's alot better to use abs then pvc in high uv environments. Basically anywhere the light is strong. Pvc breaks down alot fasterunder uv light.

 

[Pico bam]

And uv's are great for coral health, water clarity, protection from bacterial blooms, dinos, fish disease, parasites, possibly even coral warfare through the water column. So it's still a Good buy imo depending on what your using it for. I've noticed coral always open up and extend polyps alot more with a uv on the system. I never have a problem with zoas anymore.

 

[blecki]

Surprised this showed up in the picture!

 

[uninformed]

UV light does not penetrating PVC piping. The flouresence you are seeing is from your actinic lights. Turn off all the lights and leave the UV on. That glow will stop.

 

[blecki]

Turned off all lights. Still glows.

 

[Pico bam]

It's probably okay for a good long while. wouldn't be surprised if it starts the degrade over a couple years though.