Learn how to select the right UV Pond Clarifier for Your Pond.
Having a pond can be incredibly rewarding and aesthetically pleasing, but it is essential to ensure that you keep it well-maintained. One of the most effective tools for doing this is UV Pond Clarifiers. UV Pond Clarifiers help to keep the water clean and clear and can prevent algae blooms from occurring.
Thanks to the powerful yet simple technology, you can achieve clearer water with less hassle and fewer chemicals than ever before. In this article, we'll discuss the process of choosing the best one for your pond.
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4. Summary.
1. What are UV light and UV Clarifiers for ponds
Ultraviolet light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that exists beyond the visible light spectrum. It is responsible for summer tans, sunburns, and making those iconic black-light posters glow.
Playing a vital part of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum, it has a 10nm to 380nm wavelength, making it a part of the lower end of the visible light spectrum.
An Ultraviolet Pond Clarifier (UVC) is a highly effective germicidal ultraviolet lamp contained in a protective housing designed for passing water over the light. UV Pond Clarifiers are perfect for keeping your pond clear and healthy.
2. How do UV Pond Clarifiers work?
When it comes to pond water, many people are under the misconception that UV Clarifiers are designed to filter the water. However, this is not actually true - instead, UV Clarifiers serve a different purpose altogether. Their primary function is to prevent the pond water from turning green (single-celled algae bloom). Additionally they also help reduce background levels of disease-causing pathogens.
The little algae cells pass through virtually any standard filtering device, making it impossible to eliminate them using mechanical filtration. However, ultraviolet light destroys their molecular structure, killing them.
The ultraviolet radiation prevents single-celled algae from growing and multiplying in the pond water. It does not harm any pond-friendly bacteria that thrive in filters and on rocks in the pond, only free-swimming pathogens which are deatroyed when they pass through the UV.
UV Pond Clarifiers vary significantly in their wattage, indicating the volume of water that they can efficiently treat. Please remember that UV clarifiers do not filter the water – they use UV light to kill green-water algae.
3. Factors to consider when choosing a UV Pond Clarifier.
Knowing what to look for when searching for the correct UV Clarifier can help you make the best choice for your needs.
Pond Size
The primary factor that must be considered when purchasing a UV Clarifier is the size of the pond. We can generally distinguish between small (up to 5500 litres), medium (5500-12000 litres) and large ponds (over 12000 litres).
To determine the size of your pond, measure the width, length and depth and multiply by 1000.
For example, if your pond is 2.5m long, 1.2m wide and 40cm deep, that would be 2.5 x 1.2 x 0.4 x 1000 = 1200.
Lamp Wattage
When investing in a UV pond clarifier, the wattage of its lamp is one of the most important factors to consider. If the wattage of the UV lamp is too low, it won't be able to clarify the water. Choosing the correct wattage ensures that your UV Pond Clarifier will operate optimally and provide crystal-clear water.
As a rule of thumb, use 20w of UV light per 4000 litres of pond water clarification.
4. Summary.
When building or maintaining a pond, a UV Clarifier is one of the most important investments you can make. Not only do UV Pond Clarifiers keep your pond looking clean and clear, but they also provide essential protection for your aquatic life. The main things to consider when shopping for a UV filter are the size of your pond and the lamp wattage. Knowing these two specifications will ensure you get the right Ultraviolet Pond Clarifier for your needs.
Do you need help?
If you still need some help with choosing the best UV Pond Clarifier for your back garden oasis, please get in touch. We are here to help you troubleshoot your pond algae issues and find practical solutions for your pond maintenance routine that will reduce algae and harmful disease-carrying pathogens. Get in touch today.
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