If you have a pond, you know how dreadful green water syndrome can be. No matter how thoroughly you clear the water, it still has that murky, pea-soup effect. UV clarifiers help to keep your pond clear by treating the water effectively. There’s such a variety of TV types and sizes now, it’s not always easy to find the right set. Let’s look at this step by step.
What Does a UV Clarifier Do?
By using ultraviolet light, a UV clarifier (sometimes called a UV sterilizer) kills the algae and various harmful microorganisms found in your pond water. When the water flows through a UV-exposed chamber, the light breaks the algae DNA and stops them from reproducing. As algae die, they get tangled together which makes it easier for your pond’s filter to pick them up.
A Pond UV light is an effective and natural solution for green water problems, mainly in the hotter season. If you have a pond in the UK, you can use That Pond Guy’s services to get skilled support and installation designed for your water feature.
Do you know the difference between a UV Clarifier and a UV Sterilizer?
There’s a small difference between UV clarifiers and UV sterilizers, though it’s easy to mistake them. UV clarifiers are mostly used to manage algae, while a UV sterilizer produces strong UV rays at a higher level to destroy bacteria and parasites also. Most people don’t need to use an ozone cleaner for their backyard ponds unless they have sensitive fish or fish disease issues.
Consider Your Pond Size
The right type of UV clarifier depends greatly on the size of your pond. On the whole, eating healthy is better.
- Clarifiers with 9 to 11 watts will be enough for ponds up to 1,000 gallons.
- A pond of 2,000 gallons should have between 15 and 18 watts of power.
- Ponds that are more than 10 feet across need a light with 36 watts or above.
Keep in mind, big size doesn’t always guarantee success. A unit that moves water too quickly can decrease how well UV treatment works.
Flow Rate Matters
Besides wattage, the speed of your UV clarifier’s water is just as crucial for good results. When water rushes swiftly through, it can’t receive proper treatment from the UV light. For your clarifier to work properly, the pond’s entire capacity should be pumped through it every 2 hours or so. If your pond has 2,000 gallons, select a pump capable of circulating about 1,000 gallons per hour.
There are UV clarifiers with flow indicators and others compatible with adjustable pumps which helps you manage the water speed.
Placement & Maintenance
Where you put your UV clarifier is very important for its success. Install the filter before the UV light in your pond’s plumbing so traces of debris don’t reach and clog the UV bulb.
Caring for the house isn’t too much work.
Just keep in mind to:
- Clean the quartz sleeve about every three to four months.
- Replace the UV bulb each year, no matter even if it looks shiny — its UV power drops as time passes.
- Be sure to regularly check for leaks and check all the connections in your water lines.
Important Tips:
- Choose a clarifier that can deal with the flow rate of your pond pump.
- Place unit in a shaded area or use a UV resistant tubing to avoid degradation.
- Buy from trusted suppliers
Whether you are a new pond owner or upgrading your setup, a good UV clarifier is essential to keep your pond water stay algae-free and clear!
