Pond UV Filter

Ultraviolet radiation is normally associated with sun burn and skin cancer caused by the high levels of ultraviolet radiation found in sunlight. However in the world of ponds, a pond UV filter is probably the best weapon there is to fight the pollutants found in your pond, such as algae.

Ultraviolet radiation is lethal to pond pollutants. The UV radiation has the same affect on the pollutants as they do on human skin where prolonged exposure to it is made. However please note that a pond uv filter is completely harmless to humans. The amount of radiation  emitted by pond uv filter bulbs is tiny compared to the rays you will receive when standing outside on a slightly hot day. So rest assured the only thing which should be scared of a pond UV filter is algae!

Pond UV Filter - The Basics

Ultraviolet radiation basically kills living organisms by irreparably damaging the DNA in the cell's nucleus. When the algae in your pond water is exposed to the ultraviolet light from the pond UV filter, it is damaged to the point where the cell cannot divide and reproduce. It is this damage of the reproduction cell which slowly eliminates harmful algae from the pond water.

Pond UV filters do take time to work. It is not a case of just turning them on and the algae disappearing in two weeks. However once they do start zapping your algae and the results you will see will be spectacular.

How Does A Pond UV Filter Work?

A pond uv filter is a very simple piece of kit. Inside the filter is a bulb which emits ultraviolet light together with all the other visible lights in the spectrums. The major components of the light are the iv bulb and the ballast inside, and all these major components are housed in a waterproof unit.

There is usually a visible light externally to show you that the bulb is on and working. Even though the levels of UV light emitted are very low level and are not strong enough to harm to humans, you should still not look directly into the uv pond filter as the UV light can hurt your eyes if you stare for too long.

As the water in your pond is constantly pumped around the pond by your pond pump it will pass through the UV light. You should be aware that all pond uv filters can only handle a certain amount of gallons per hour (GPH).

Exceeding this limit is not good for your pond as the UV filter will not work. Therefore you should always make sure that the pond uv filter you buy is up to the task of emitting enough light into your pond to be effeective.

Why Is It Called A Filter?

As you can see pond uv filters are "lights". There isn't a filter in sight. Why they are called "filters" we don't know but you need to be aware that there is no filter and you will still need some type of basket filter in your pond. The uv lights simply kill the algae that comes through them but they remove nothing from the water. One still needs a proper filter to perform this task.

Also pond uv lights are only good for combatting algae actually in your garden pond. Other pollutants will be unaffected.

Pond UV Filter Placement

To ensure that your pond uv filter does its job properly you will need to postion the filter correctly in your pond. The filter works by being fed water pumped by the pump's intake hose. The light needs to positioned as far away as possible from the hose that delivers the water back to the pond.

If you have then next together you are essentially creating a water current that mixes the pollutants back into the water. Also try keep the intake hose away from water features such as fountains and waterfalls.

How To Maintain a Pond UV Filter

The good news is that pond uv filters are fairly low maintenance. There are only two things you need to do.

1. Keeping your pond uv filter clean is a must. As it is left in your pond it will become covered in all types of gunk which must be cleaned to ensure that the uv light is allowed to penetrate the water to kill the algae. If the light can't get out then the filter cannot do its job.

2. Check every week that the uv bulb is burning by looking for the external light and change the bulb a few times a year to ensure you keep getting good results. For your pond uv filter to be effective it needs to be switched on all the time.

Purchasing a Pond UV Filter

Pond UV filters are also commonly known and sold as "pond clarifiers" or "pond sterilizers".

Make sure you pick a product that will have enough power to zap all the algae in your pond. Knowing your pond size is a must. It can be easy to purchase a light which is too small. Also keep in mind that in fish ponds the build up of algae tends to be larger than that which collects in simple water gardens.

We would always recommend that you buy something to big for your needs than too small!

Also remember that a pond UV filter is just one of a number of weapons you need to ensure your pond is kept crystal clean and cannot be used as the sole weapon. Your full arsenal of weapons will include basket filters, a good pump, plants, and if appropriate, a biological filter.Together all this equipment will keep your pond clean.

A pond UV filter used properly and in combination with other pond filtration products is an excellent weapon to keep the dreaded algae problem under control. You need to be patient as results will not happen overnight but when they do you will be very happy with your mirror clear water.