The Ultraviolet Sterilizer ("UV ") will keep your water clean from the one celled algae that causes the dreaded "Pea Green Soup" curse. When a pond is out of balance, it will experience an explosion of algae cells. The water will turn green as a result of the chlorophyll contained in the cell walls of the algae. A new pond will not have to go through the green stage with a properly sized ultraviolet unit. If a pond already has an algae explosion, a UV Sterilizer will clear the pond in two weeks. However, the UV Sterilizer will not affect the stringy filamentous algae that adheres to the sides of the pond or plant containers. It will only kill the algae that passes through the unit.
UV Sterilizers should be turned on after all danger of freezing has passed. For the best results turn on the sterilizer/clarifier before Spring algae blooms begin. Once the water has reached a steady 45 F- you should start so that algae blooms are stopped before they begin.
How a UV Sterilizer works:
- Algae and bacteria infested water is pumped from the pond to the filter.
- Water is filtered to remove large debris to enable the UV Sterilizer to work.
- Water passes through the UV, destroying single cell algae before returning water to the pond.
The characteristics and benefits of the UV Sterilizer are:
- Eliminates an algae explosion in a new pond.
- Clears a current algae explosion.
- Maintains clear and sparkling water.
- Will allow a new pond to establish and balance much sooner than a pond without a UV.
- UV’s are weather resistant, however they must be removed prior to freezing temperatures.
About Sizing Your UV
Remember that the amount of sun the pond gets, the fish load and the amount of muck that normally accumulates on the bottom will affect the efficiency of the UV unit. Those with ponds on the borderlines should generally go up to the next size.
It’s important to note also that most manufacturers of UV’s rate the efficiency of their products at OPTIMUM conditions. Their ratings do not take into consideration fish load and other pond particulars.
Flow rates through the UV will also vary the performance of the unit. Care must be taken that the water does not flow too quickly or slowly through the unit. This is one of those times when we can be helpful. *UV must be sized and installed correctly.
Maintenance & Replacement Parts
Bulbs in UV’s have an effective usage life of 9 to 14 months. If you unplugged your UV during the winter months you extended it’s life. As a rule of thumb, a UV’s lamp should be replaced every year. The bulb loses power as it burns, therefore, it may still be lit but operating at 20% of its original power, rendering it ineffective for the purpose of killing algae. You’ll know when you need to replace your lamp simply by noticing that your UV is no longer clearing up the free-flowing algae.
You should clean your quartz sleeve. Most commercial brand UV’s have a quartz sleeve inside the PVC that protects the bulb from water so it doesn’t short out. This sleeve will need to be cleaned. Periodic cleaning improves performance by stripping away the dirt that can block the ultraviolet rays and prevent them from penetrating the water and killing the algae. Some brands offer a wiper for periodic cleaning. When purchasing a unit- keep the information recorded and jot down the part numbers for replacement parts.
CAUTION. This sleeve and the bulb are extremely fragile. Utmost care should be taken when handling these parts.
Each year the bulb within the unit will need to be changed. The lamp generally doesn't blow - but as previously explained, it becomes less effective. You will notice that the water begins turning green even with the light working properly. If the bulb blows, many times it is because the glass sleeve inside the unit has been damaged and water is getting inside. White corrosion on the ends of the lamp will clue you that water is getting inside the sleeve. The sleeve will also need to be replaced in this case.