Buying A UV Pond Filter

Though filters may not be necessary for larger ponds or even smaller ponds with a minimum of fish, prefer to install one. Pond builders often combine two types of filters: sand and ultraviolet (UV). Whereas sand filters depend upon trapping sediment and then rely on bacteria to detoxify the contained water impurities, UV pond filters kill bacteria by passing the water through an UV light purifying system.

Free-floating pond algae contaminate the water, turning it green and nasty. These small, algae particles can pass right through a sand filter, making it an ineffective disinfectant device. As a result, supportive chemical additives must be introduced into the pool ecosystem.

On the other hand, a UV pond filter is solely devoted to disinfecting the water. Radiation deactivates the reproductive capacity of bacteria. Fishpond UV filters provide the desired radiation. By exposing the pond water to ultra-violet light, a fish pond UV filter causes the algae particles to clump, making them large enough to be retained by an attached sand filter.

Healthy ponds include a mixture of animals, bacteria, and plants calculated and combined so as to produce a self-sustained water environment. Fish clean the water and eat small aquatic organisms. Submerged plants provide oxygenation and fish habitat. Surface plants create surface shade and lessen excessive algal growth. Snails aid the breakdown of organic matter. Bacteria recycle nutrients and detoxify various ammonium components.

Chemicals are messy, dangerous, and sometimes fail to disinfect the water. The treatments are an ongoing, long-term expense.

Pond UV filters, when sized appropriately, are considered a sure method for controlling pond algae. Many of the manufacturers of UV filters for ponds are now guaranteeing the success of their products. Once installed and when worked in conjunction with the occasional rinsing of the pond filter, an UV pond filter clarifier will permanently remove green algae from your pond water.

Look for a quality pond UV filter system, and size it correctly for your pond volume. Balance price to performance and convenience. Pay attention to weatherproof design, and easy access for bulb changing. Check the water flow rate as related to your pond volume, and pay attention to the distance between the bulb and the passing water flow. These matters determine pump life, service expenses, and effectiveness.

The pricing range of UV filters for ponds vary according to size, efficiency ratings, and the methods of systems integration.

For a maximum pond size of 1000 to 1800 gallons, you can purchase a free-standing, external UV pond filter that attaches to your existing filtration system. Expect to pay in the range of £50 to £100. Though small, these units provide 8 to 16 watts of algae clearing and cleaning power.

For an external solution to larger jobs, consider a pressurized biological UV filter. Prices jump here. Look to pay two-and-half times more per performance-gallon for these units, beginning at around £200 for 700 gallons of handling capacity. The closed and pressurized design of this type of UV pond filter makes it a perfect choice for uphill duties.

You might also consider a submergible UV pond filter unit. The pricing is near to that of a pressurized system. The units are basically submergible versions of the external add-on units.

When purchasing, look for the following:

· Quality of construction.
· Size and wattage.
· Backwash speed.
· Warning indicators.