UV Clarifiers -
How Do They Work?
A common way for home owners to keep their pond water clear is by the use of a UV clarifier.  If you use a high quality biological filter that is capable of filtering your size pond and fish load you will not likely need a UV.  If the filter is not capable of filtering your pond, you will have excess nutrients in the water and will likely have a green water algae problem.  A UV clarifier works by passing the water through a tube next to a UV bulb.  The high intensity light kills off the microscopic algae cells that form green water.  Make no mistake, a UV will not control string algae since the string algae does not flow through the tube next the the light bulb.

You will notice some manufacturers call their units UV sterilizers.  The only difference between a UV clarifier and a UV sterilizer is how fast the water flows through the tube.  Algae cells are relatively easy to kill so you can pass the water (and the cells) through the tube at a faster rate and still achieve results.  Many other microorganisms (bacteria, virus strains, etc.) are harder to kill so the water needs to pass through the tube slower to achieve a complete kill.  The slower the water passes through, the smaller the pond size it can effectively control.  Manufacturers who try to control algae call their units "clarifiers" and publish higher flow rates while those who sterilize the water of all living organisms use slower flow rates.  A UV clarifier can be used as a sterilizer by simply slowing down the flow of water passing through it.

Always shut off a UV for 24 hours when adding bacteria to your pond. A UV does not discriminate what it is killing so any beneficial bacteria added to your pond would likely pass through the UV and be killed off.  Bacteria typically adheres itself to something (filter material) within 24 hours and is then safe.

EasyPro Pond Products UV Clarifier

Pondmaster UV Clarifier

Aqua Ultraviolet UV Clarifier / Sterilizer

Copyright 2006. Stoney Creek Fisheries & Equipment Inc. All rights reserved.               ** This website is for informational purposes only.  All prices are subject to change.**