Why We Love UV Tech
Tired of battling murky, green pond water? UV technology is your secret weapon for achieving crystal clarity. This innovative system utilizes ultraviolet light to zap away algae and harmful bacteria at the microscopic level, before they can cause your pond to turn green or cloudy. While UV technology works wonders on its own, it can also be combined with a mechanical filter for even better results. Unlike filters, UV light doesn't physically remove anything from the water; instead, it disrupts the microorganisms, rendering them harmless. Keep reading to discover why UV technology is a game-changer for effortless pond maintenance!
What is UV?
Ultraviolet light is famous for causing sunburns and sun damage. If you buy new sunglasses or read your sunscreen bottle, it will say "UV protection." Ultraviolet light doesn't just come from the sun; it can be made artificially with bulbs for things like disinfecting lamps or curing lights. UV light is actually a type of electromagnetic radiation.
UV radiation can be damaging to living organisms. UV radiation can break chemical bonds through a process called ionization. Electrons are forced to break from their atoms unnaturally and sometimes form new bonds. This process is incredibly damaging to single-celled organisms like bacteria and algae. Their DNA is broken, and they are unable to put it back together, rendering them harmless and unable to reproduce.
Filtration vs UV
A typical pond filter removes small debris from the water, like fish waste or broken down leaf particles. The pump pushes the water through the filter, which contains filtration pads that catch the small pieces of debris. Some filter pads also use biological filtration, containing colonies of beneficial bacteria to help break down the debris. Learn more about the different types of pond filtration.
Pond pumps and filtration systems often have UV clarifiers added to combat algae and other microorganisms in the water. UV clarifiers are different than filters. UV technology kills single-celled algae and other potentially harmful bacteria and microorganisms in the water but doesn't remove them. UV clarifiers are combined with filtration systems so the microorganisms are wiped out and also removed from the water.
How does UV technology work in a pond?
Pond UV technology is either a standalone clarifier or integrated within a filtration system. For a UV to be effective in a pond, a pump must push the pond water through it. As water passes by the light, the microorganisms are killed and float to the surface, easily clumping together so they can be scooped or filtered out.
Why UV?
A UV Clarifier is excellent for removing algae, parasites, harmful bacteria, and other microorganisms in the water that may harm your pond life and disrupt your pond's ecosystem. At the same time, it is safe to use with fish and other pond life as they are never exposed to the UV bulb. It is easy to connect a UV Clarifier to a pump or use with a filter. You can use UV light as a preventative measure to maintain clear water, or you can use it as part of a treatment plan for algae once your pond is already green.
What about the good bacteria?
There are both good and bad bacteria in pond's ecosystem. The harmful bacteria are ineffective, working slowly to break down organic waste and producing harmful gases and nutrients that feed algae blooms in the process. The good bacteria work with the pond's natural nitrogen cycle to break down waste harmlessly. UV filters cannot distinguish between the good and the bad bacteria, but good bacteria cling to the pond liners, rocks, and other parts of the pond that are not affected by the UV clarifier. If your pond has build up and needs a good bacteria boost, you can use Sludge Remover or a biological filter to make sure there is enough of the good bacteria working. Make sure to read the instructions on the label and give the good bacteria time to settle before using your UV clarifier.
UV technology is a quick way to treat algae at the microscopic level. You can use a UV clarifier once your pond is already green or use it all season to maintain clear water and prevent algae blooms. UV technology can be used with filters or as a standalone clarifier. UV technology needs to be connected to a pump so the pond water can pass through it and be treated. The UV light destroys microorganisms like single-celled algae, bacteria, and parasites in the water, and then they float to the top and can be filtered or scooped out. We love UV technology because it is a chemical-free way to keep your pond water clear.
