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Ultra Violet Clarifiers & UV-Sterilizers

UV-Clarifiers are used to kill algae along with some disease organisms.  The water flows through UV-Clarifiers faster than the UV-Sterilizers.  UV-Sterilizers kill 99% of floating algae as well as other living organisms.  They do not harm the beneficial bacteria that grow in filters and on rocks, etc. in the pond.  They kill the organisms that are floating in the pond water.

How do you set up a UV Sterilizer?
Ideally, you have a prefilter attached to your pump in the pond water.  The prefilter filters out silt and debris before the water enters the pump which can make the pump last longer.  Next, the water passes through the prefilter to the pump and then goes through a hose or tubing and then to the UV Sterilizer.  From there the water flows through the UV and then the discharge of the UV is hooked up to an external mechanical and biological filter.  From there the water goes through the filter and then flows back into the pond.  This is how the water flow goes:

prefilter -> pump intake-> pump discharge-> pump hose -> inlet of UV Sterilizer -> through UV Sterilizer -> out discharge of UV Sterilizer -> inlet of external filter/mechanical/biofilter filter -> out discharge of filter to pond.

The prefilter filters out "junk" out of the pond before it enters the pump and UV Sterilizer.  This will make the pump and UV last longer.  The external filter/biofilter provides mechanical filtration in that it collects the dead algae that is killed in the UV and has a biological filtration as well where beneficial bacteria grows.   Beneficial bacteria aids in reducing algae in that it consumes the same nutrients that algae does so it starves out the algae.  It also breaks down organic matter from decaying leaves, fish wastes, sludge and silt build up.  Additionally, it breaks down toxic ammonia from fish wastes into harmless nitrates.  Even though you may have a UV Sterilizer or UV Clarifer, you still need to have beneficial bacteria in the pond if you have fish.  We recommend as part of your pond maintenance, the application of beneficial bacteria such as Microbe Lift.  When you add this product you need to turn off the UV Sterilizer for about  3 days after adding the Microbe Lift so it doesn't kill the beneficial bacteria in the Microbe Lift.  After 3 days you can turn the UV back on.  The pond will still need aeration during that time.  You don't need to have a prefilter but it is recommended (f you don't have a prefilter then you want to install your external filter before the UV instead of after it.  Somehow you need to filter the water before it gets to the UV, that is why it is recommended to have a prefilter AND an external filter so you filter the water before it goes to the UV, filtering out a bunch of "junk" in the pond and then a filter after the UV so this filter will catch the dead algae, etc. that the UV killed before it goes back into your pond.)  

To determine the pump size for the UV we have provided a chart above.  Simply match up the GPH of the pump with the outlet size of the pump to the inlet size of the UV.  To determine the external filter size, simply match up the size of the pond, the amount and size of the fish, GPH flow of the pump, and discharge size of the UV so they match or at least come close.  The choice of having a vertical or horizontal UV Sterilizer is a personal choice.  A *tip in choosing which one to use would be the one that that is larger enough for your pond while looking as inconspicuous as possible so you can "hide" the units so they will not be visible and detract from the beauty of your pond. 

Ultraviolet Sterilizers
Ultraviolet energy is unmatched in its efficiency, simplicity and dependability for purifying water.  Ultraviolet energy is radiation produced by low pressure mercury lamps.  The lamps are made of special glass that allows the passage of UV light rays.   This radiation is capable of killing all micro-organisms that it comes in contact with.  UV rays strike bacteria, algae and protozoa, breaking through the organism's outer membrane.  The radiation reaches the DNA of the organisms, causing abrupt modification and bringing about their destruction quickly and effectively.  The UV Sterilizer is the only guaranteed method for complete elimination of pond "green water" algae.  Green water algae is forced through the UV sterilizer using a water pump at the recommended flow rate.  Inside the UV the green water algae is exposed to UV energy, which efficiently destroys it.  When properly installed, the dead algae passes with the water out of the UV sterilizer and into an appropriate filter where much of it is trapped.  Upon installation, the UV completely clears the pond of green water within 3 to 5 days.  With continuous operation the UV maintains constant green water elimination.  Each unit comes with complete installation and operating instructions.

Rainbow Lifegard UV Sterilizers

Rainbow Lifegard UV Sterilizers are a real value!  Designed to kill 99% of all living microorganisms (including algae cells!) in a single pass.  Sterilizers feature all PVC construction, easy to clean design, and convenient bottom inlet/outlet design with standard pvc connections.  All models feature easy bulb replacement, highest quality pure quartz sleeves and UL listed magnetic ballast.  Water must be pre-filtered (except in ornamental pond applications) before passing through any UV sterilizer to maximize efficiency.  UV bulbs typically last for 8-10 months of continuous operation before needing replacement.  All models are 115 volt with 7' power cords.  Can be used with submersible or centrifugal pumps.  See chart below for approx. size sterilizer needed for pond size.  Also highly recommended for use on Koi holding ponds/tanks to reduce disease problems.  Part # followed by H are horizontal units.   Pre-filtering is NOT necessary for ornamental ponds.

Replacement Parts for Rainbow Lifegard UV-Sterilizers

Greenfree UV Clarifiers by TetraPond
Greenfree UV Clarifiers are the permanent solution to green water problems.  Green water is caused by suspended algae particles.  When water passes through the clarifier, the UV light destroys the algae cells as well as some disease organisms.   This UV-Clarifier clarifies algae blooms in days and prevents reoccurrence.  It delivers full power for one year with a single Philips UV-C bulb and reduces maintenance for a beautiful pond.  While these units are not a heavy duty UV Sterilizer as those below, they have been a good choice for water garden applications.  Inlet and outlet have 3/4", 1", and 1 1/4" universal fitting for easy plumbing.

Replacement Bulbs for Greenfree UV Clarifier