Do I need an ultraviolet light on my pond?
Ponds add relaxing background sounds to your yard, but these miniature ecosystems need constant water maintenance for healthy fish and plant life. As a solution, pond ultraviolet lights help your water by clearing algae blooms to keep pond water clear. Using a UV sterilizer does have some disadvantages.
What do you need to know about UV filters for ponds?
There are two different types of UV pond filters: UV clarifiers and UV sterilizers A UV clarifier will have the lighter intensity than a sterilizer, removing only bacteria and algae. The UV sterilizers require water to flow much more slowly through them to ensure more thorough exposure, removing parasitic protozoa, like ich , and costia which need that longer exposure time to the UV light.
What does an UV filter do in a pond?
What is a UV Pond Filter? A UV pond filter is a piece of kit that helps to clean up your pond by exposing the water to UV light that helps in the battle against algae that forms. On the following page, you will find out all you need to know about them including – how they actually work and where to install them among many other things.
Is UV light harmfull to fish?
Yes, if exposed to the light, your fish will be harmed. They could go blind. It’s also not wise for humans to stare at a UV light that is turned on. Luckily, all UV sterilizers are sealed units and should not be turned on until after the light bulb is installed and the unit is closed back up and ready to be used.
How long does a UV light take to clear a pond?
How long will it take to clear the pond? Once fully mature, you should notice a difference within one week of turning the U.V.C. on and full clarity should be achieved in two weeks.
Is a UV light good for fish pond?
Pond UV lights can be used to keep ponds clear of algae, but they aren't the best tool out there. These lights only work on certain types of algae and they only clear the algae. You can find much better pond equipment than UV lights for keeping your pond clear and healthy, like the Ion-Gen.
Where do you put UV light in a pond?
When it comes to installation, place the UV clarifier where it won't be flooded. It is waterproof, but should never be submerged in water. We suggest mounting it onto a dry flat surface, like the lid of the canister pond filter. And always connect the UV unit to a GFI outlet or circuit to protect against shock.
Do you put UV light before or after filter?
The water flowing through a pond uv should be forced through the unit under pressure. In a pump fed system this means the UV will be situated after the pump but before the pond filter. In a gravity fed filtration systems the pump is placed after the filter and the pond uv after the pump.
Does UV light keep pond clear?
By definition, UV systems do not function as filters. That's because they don't actually remove any unwanted material. UV clarifiers, as they are better understood, function as sterilisers because they work simply by killing algae. however, the algae still remain in the water because UV Clarifiers do not remove them.
Are fish attracted to UV light?
"They can see things we can't even imagine. So it's no wonder they're attracted to even subtle reflections from UV light during the day. I've found that switching from regular colors to UV finishes turns fish that were just sniffing my jigs into strikers, in gin-clear water in broad daylight."
Can you have too much UV in a pond?
Can you ever have too much UV and would it harm the fish or pond lillies? Asap answer would be appreciated. No, you can't really have too much UV. It just means you're using a bit more electricity than you could get away with probably, and the bulb might cost a bit more to replace.
Does UV light stop algae?
By showering algae with ultraviolet rays, a UV sterilizer kills algae the same way it kills other microorganisms. Radiation prevents it from reproducing. Because algae contribute so much to the turbidity of your water, killing free-floating algae dramatically improves your tank's clarity.
How do I know if my UV pond light is working?
You must never look directly at a UV tube, it will hurt your eyes. The tube glows blue so if it's working you will see a blue light behind the viewing window.
How often should you change a pond UV light?
In general, ultraviolet pond lights should last for a year to a year-and-a-half. Many pond owners will replace the bulb once a year, usually in the spring when it is getting warm enough to clean the pond thoroughly.
Do you need to run pond UV in winter?
It is most common to turn a pond UV clarifier off during winter. During the winter the fish are not as active. They aren't eating and the sun isn't as intense. Because of these factors green water is less likely to be a problem over winter.
Can you leave UV filter on all the time?
There's really no absolute right or wrong answer. Some people leave UV lens filters on all the time and wouldn't have it any other way, whilst others think that putting an extra layer of glass in front of a camera lens can degrade image quality, collect dust moisture or cause lens flares.
Does UV light damage fish?
Fish are susceptible to UV- B radiation with sensitivity varying within groups. Skin damage is the most commonly reported effect of solar UV-B on fish. UV- B induced changes have also been noted in fish inhabiting natural water.
Can you have too much UV in a pond?
Can you ever have too much UV and would it harm the fish or pond lillies? Asap answer would be appreciated. No, you can't really have too much UV. It just means you're using a bit more electricity than you could get away with probably, and the bulb might cost a bit more to replace.
Is UV light harmful to koi fish?
Ultraviolet sterilization of the water is the only permanent solution that is safe, cost effective, and not dangerous to your Koi's health. There are many types of Ultraviolet Lights available.
Does UV light help with algae?
By showering algae with ultraviolet rays, a UV sterilizer kills algae the same way it kills other microorganisms. Radiation prevents it from reproducing. Because algae contribute so much to the turbidity of your water, killing free-floating algae dramatically improves your tank's clarity.
Why is there algae in my pond?
And that brings in a lot of available nutrients. If there are hardly any plants present, then that leaves a lot of food on the table for the algae. And if on top of that the pond is in full sunlight as well, then we have the ideal circumstances for algae to thrive.
What happens if you have algae in your pond?
An extreme amount of algae in your pond can cause a lack of oxygen, with possible die-off of the fish as a result. (See this article to know what algae really do to your pond.) So, an action to keep the algae in check is required here.
How long should I wait to add fish to a pond?
When it comes to adding of fish, I suggest to only add the fish one two at a time, and then wait one month before adding more. Doing it in this way prevents too many nutrients from the fish poo going in the water too quickly. But for ponds without many plants and with a lot of fish, a UV light is most probably recommended from the start.
Can you live without a UV filter?
If your wish is to have a natural looking pond with lots of plants and a few fish, and if you don’t mind your pond to have a somewhat greenish color, you can live without a UV filter.
Can UV light be used for koi ponds?
If you are a koi (or other fish) fanatic and want to have a crystal clear pond with lots of fish and few plants (because plants only hide the fish from view), then a UV light might be the only way to reach your goal. Why is that? Well, an exceptional density of fish in your pond comes with a high density of fish-poo as well.
Is it bad for fish to have a green pond?
And if on top of that the pond is in full sunlight as well, then we have the ideal circumstances for algae to thrive. While a slight green color in the pond is nothing to worry about (and is even healthy), having a dense pea green soup color can be dangerous to your fish.
Why do we need UV lights in ponds?
Pond UV lights or UV ‘filters’ are ultraviolet light systems that have been used for years in ponds and aquariums in an effort to control green water caused by algae.
What happens to algae in ponds?
The single-celled, free-flowing algae within your pond water is then exposed to these high levels of ultraviolet light. This light destroys their DNA and kills them. The damage caused to the algae’s DNA through this light also causes them to flocculate (clump together).
How do UV clarifiers work?
UV clarifiers, as they are better understood, function as sterilisers because they work simply by killing algae. however, the algae still remain in the water because UV Clarifiers do not remove them. UV lights work when water from your pond is pumped through their light path.
How to get rid of green algae in pond?
When it comes to eliminating green water algae in your pond, UV lights should be the last method you turn to. While pond UV lights work to some extent, they do have a few disadvantages.
What are the pollutants in ponds?
As well as other pond pollutants such as sludge and organic matter . The answer is beneficial bacteria. Our pond products use beneficial bacteria that work to digest algae and its source of food. This means algae can be eliminated from your pond and you can control/prevent it from recurring.
Do UV lights kill algae?
Although UV lights are good for eliminating algae is water through sterilisation, this same process kills both bad AND good bacteria. Good bacteria is essential for healthy pond chemistry and prevent it from becoming unbalanced through the build-up of chemicals from natural organics and fish waste.
Do UV lights need to be replaced?
You should also note that UV lights need to be replaced in order to work. Over time, the bulbs for the lights become weaker and should be replaced yearly to remain effective at clearing algae. Be aware that bulbs may still light up, but this does not mean they are still emitting UV rays, also in relation to this you should consider the quality of your light system. Cheap UV lights will not have the same strength and effect as more expensive options.
How Long Does It Take for a UV Light to Clear a Pond?
When you have established the UV pond light, you can expect to see a difference within one week. However, your pond might not be algae-free for up to two weeks. From then on, the UV light for pond is going to help you achieve crystal clear water all the time.
How long does a UV light bulb last in a pond?
Of course, the flow rate is strong enough to keep the water charged with the ultraviolet light. You get a 9-watt UV bulb, which lasts about 8,000 hours.
What is the best way to control algae in a pond?
UV clarifiers will control the green pond water. You can also control algae based on how much shade you have on the area and ensure that there is at least 50 percent of plants in the water. Clarifiers are usually chosen when you don’t have any animals.
How many volts does a UV light bulb have?
The UV light is designed to destroy any water algae so that you get clearer water with little maintenance and effort. You get one 55-watt UV bulb that can supply between 220 and 240 volts of electricity .
Why do ponds have algae blooms?
If you notice a cloudiness to the water, it’s probably best to get a UV light for the pond. New ponds are more prone to algae blooms because the pond hasn’t matured yet, and this can take many years. Ultraviolet light work because the free-flowing algae pass through it and are exposed to excessively bright light.
What is a UV pond clarifier?
TotalPond UV Pond Clarifier. The TotalPond UV is one of the most popular brands on the market and does a great job of keeping green water away. Use it in ponds that have 2,000 gallons of water or more. Plus, you can install it outside the pond or inside. It is designed to kill free-flowing algae without any chemicals.
How many gallons of water does a UV light sterilizer kill?
This 40-watt UV light is submersible in water and can kill other bacteria, as well. As a UV sterilizer, it works in ponds of up to 6,000 gallons. You can also use it with your filter pump of up to 3,000-gph. The vortex flow rate design makes sure that all of the pond water gets hit by the UV lights.
What is UV pond light?
A UV pond light is actually very simple. There is a bulb which emits light in the ultraviolet, as well as the visible, spectrums. There is attached to this bulb a quartz sleeve that protects the bulb from the water and a ballast and housing in which the electrical components of the light are contained. There will generally be a spot on the ballast ...
What is a UV pond?
Remember that a pond UV device is an enhancement to one's pond filtration, not a means to total filtration in and of itself. One still needs to have plants, a basket filter, a good pump and, preferably, a biological filter installed to achieve the best results.
What is a UV filter for ponds?
Pond UV filters are commonly marketed as clarifiers or sterilizers. The names do have some meaning. A clarifier of the same wattage as a sterilizer will not be as effective at eliminating algae from the water. There are many variables that make these devices work and the raw wattage is not always the best indicator of how effective the filter will prove.
How does a UV filter work in a pond?
UV filters destroy algae by attacking it right at the DNA, rendering it unable to multiply and gradually turning turbid waters into crystal clear habitats for plants and fish .
Why is UV light harmful to algae?
Simply put, when algae contained in the pond water is exposed to the UV light, it is damaged to the point where the cell cannot divide and reproduce. This genetic damage slowly eliminates harmful algae from the water. These UV filters are among the slower-working types but they do produce excellent results given enough time.
Why is UV filtration important?
When ultraviolet radiation is discussed, the subject is usually skin cancer and other maladies caused by the intense levels of this radiation found in sunlight. UV pond filtration, however, is one of the best resources available in the fight against pollutants such as algae. The reason this radiation is so powerful an ally in this fight is actually ...
Where is the filter located in a pond?
The filter will be fed by the pump's intake hose. This needs to be located as far as possible from the hose that returns the water to the pond. Having them next to one another causes a water current that essentially stirs the pollutants back into the water. Keep the intake away from features such as waterfalls and fountains, as well.
What happens when you put a UV filter on a pond?
When water is pumped from your pond through the UV filter, the single-celled algae are exposed to very high levels of ultra violet light. This destroys their DNA and causes the algae to divide. And when they divide, they die, resulting in them clumping together. These clumps of dead algae can then be removed from the water.
Why do biological filters have UV light?
There are a couple of good reasons for this: The uv light works more efficiently when the water flowing along it is clearer.
Where do you place the UV light?
The obvious: The uv light is placed inline with the pump and the filter (either a mechanical or biological filter). The pump gets the pond water to the uv clarifier/sterilizer, and the filter takes care of/removes the dead algae.
What happens when water becomes less green?
When the water becomes less green, there will be less algae to clear out and thus the filter will remain a lot cleaner. You can also use a biological filter. Instead of physically removing the dead algae and other biomatter from the water, these are trapped in a tank that contains beneficial bacteria.
How to get dead matter out of pond?
There are two options: The simplest: you can use a mechanical filter to get the dead matter out. Well, rather, YOU get the stuff out by backwashing and cleaning the filter . In the beginning when you start using the uv light in the pond you have to regularly do this. When the water becomes less green, there will be less algae to clear out ...
Why do you need a filter before a UV light?
A filter before the light traps more sludge, thus slowing down the build up of sludge in the uv light casing. It creates more sludge in the filter itself, but you need to clean that regularly anyway.
How long does it take for a light bulb to produce visible light?
After one year , they might still produce visible light, but it most likely will have stopped producing the UV wavelength, and they will not be doing what they’re supposed to be doing anymore. They gradually decrease in effectiveness. So replacing the bulb every year, will improve performance. (Note: a typical price for a new bulb is around $100.)
How effective are UV lights in ponds?
UV lights are powerful and efficient in clearing ponds of algae, bacteria, and other microorganisms you do not want in your tank. The time it takes for a UV light to clear a pond also depends on its efficiency and UV light model. Some models might take longer, while others might function faster. Regardless of the UV light model you use ...
Why is UV light bad for ponds?
It will help you control the number of organisms you have in your pond and help extend your lamp’s lifespan. Although you might have too much UV light in a pond, you can have insufficient light. It occurs when the UV light you use for the pond is small for it. When the UV light is not fit for the pond, the rays it produces will be insufficient ...
When Should I Change My Pond UV Light?
You can change your pond’s UV light when it gets damaged. It is the most apparent time to change your UV light for a new one. You also can change the UV light when you feel it has done enough work for your pond.
How Long Does It Take for a UV Light to Clear a Pond?
When fully turned on, the UV light will clear the pond in less than a month. You will start noticing the difference in seven days. The pond will clear fully after two weeks of constant and efficient use.
When Should I Turn Off My Pond Filter?
You can turn off your pond filter if there is no need for it. If there are no organisms in your pond, using the filter can be a waste of energy. You can also turn off your pond filter during winter.
Why turn off UV light?
You can turn your uv light off during the winder months because algae will not be able to grew as quickly. It is recommended to keep the uv light on as this will do no harm and will also help to keep your water condition healthy.
How long does it take to change a UV light on a pond?
When your UV light develops any problem, you should either change it or get it repaired. You can also change your UV light after five years of constant work.
How does UV light work?
As you may know a UV light works by zapping the water with ultraviolet light. Given this fact the water has to be inside the unit long enough for the given wattage to do this. This is the “dwell time” as discussed previously. In combination with the speed or flow rate of the water and the dwell time, the wattage of the bulb has to be sufficient to accomplish the proper killing of the algae cells. This is why there are different wattage units, of varied diameters and lengths. If the water passes too fast through a given wattage it may not kill the algae cells. The faster the flow rate or GPH the higher the wattage required. So as you can see there are a number of factors to properly sizing the unit. The good news is that most of this calculating is done for you by the manufacturer and the only thing that you need to be concerned with is what your flow rate is of the water passing through the unit.
Why do you need a UV light?
Most UV manufacturers including Pentair/Emperor advertise their UV lights for clearing green water algae and killing harmful pathogens that make your fish sick. This is a little misleading, especially when we are talking about their use in outdoor Koi and Goldfish ponds.
How many watts to kill algae in a 5000 gallon pond?
So as an example if you have a 5000 gallon pond, and a single pump of 5000 GPH or less you simply take 1/3 of the 5000 gallon pond volume which is 1666 gallons, and pick the proper wattage Uv under the Suggested column that is good for 1666 GPH to kill algae! In the case of the chart above you would need the Pentair/Emperor 130 watt Uv.
What is UV sterilizer?
Sterilizer Series UV’s are designed to achieve optimum germicidal disinfection, protecting your valuable Koi against harmful waterborne pathogens.The design of the UV Sterilizer Series is the result of a calculated balance between equipment size, cost and performance; making UV Sterilizer Series the best option for Koi Pond disinfection for smaller ponds and flow rates. The Sterilizer Series are also GUARANTEED to clear green water in 3-5 days if sized and installed correctly!
How to size UV?
Most brands only have one way to size them. This is the full flow method. With this method you have to size the UV based on the flow rate of the pump. If you have a 3000 GPH pump you need a UV rated for 3000 GPH to kill algae.Then all of the water being pumped must go through the unit to do the job properly. So as you can imagine this will usually mean you are forced to buy large wattage, and expensive unit.
Do you need a UV light for an outside pond?
So basically put everyone with an outside pond will need a UV light, and this is the real reason to have one. Properly Sizing a UV Light. Many manufacturers advertise their UV lights as being good for a certain size pond. Even Pentair/ Emperor is guilty of this.
Can you use UV light on a pond?
So basically put everyone with an outside pond will need a UV light, and this is the real reason to have one.
What is the best UV light for a pond?
Jebao 36W is the best UV Light Sterilizer for medium ponds. It features a 36W UV lamp to effectively remove algae, bacteria, and viruses, keeping the pond clean for healthy koi fishes. The suction power is about 4,400 Gallons per Hour; the sterilizer is recommended for up to 8,000-gallon tank.
How to determine UV light size for pond?
The pump should support the capacity of your pond. Every UV light has a recommendation on the pond size in its description, you'll need to read this through. You can evaluate your pond size by this simple calculation: Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Depth (ft) x 7.5 = Gallons.
How much sun light should I use for a koi pond?
It has low power - 13W for the UV light & 8W for the water pump, but is enough for a 150-gallon tank. However, it is recommended for just 40-75 gallons of water. If the tank exceeds this capacity, it may take longer to clean the tank.
Why do fish die in ponds?
The water in a fish pond may get polluted by algae, bacteria, parasites, viruses and other microorganisms, making the fishes die and causing unpleasant smells. A UV sterilizer can clean them up, keeping the water crystal clear, both freshwater & saltwater.
Why is my koi pond green?
The exceeded food causes the growth of algae, bacteria, parasites, viruses and other microorganisms, making the water less clear and full of bad odors. A UV light can clean the water up, keeping a healthy environment for you Koi fishes.
Why do algae grow?
The main reason that causes algae and bacteria growth is the exceeded food and nutrients. To improve bacteria and algae control, you can use bioaugmentation containing beneficial bacteria & enzymes. These bacteria and enzymes help resolve the exceed food; moreover, it maintains the water’s PH, keeping the water clean and healthy for koi fishes.
How long does it take to clean a pond with UV light?
From my experience, if you install a new UV light for an old green-water pond, it may take five days to clean the water up. The water then will be crystal clear. However, it depends much on the capacity and power of the UV light. Some will take longer and some will take less time.
