UV Sterilizers

[barryian]

1500 to 2000 gallon pond is in full sunlight. Had problems keeping water clear this past summer. What wattage of UV sterilizer would be needed for this size pond? Does anyone have a Jebao sterilizer and how well does it work?

This is a rather late reply should you have not purchased one. Anyone whoever says UV's are not that good or work marginally, I disagree with. They must be doing something wrong. UV's have no adverse effect on a pond but rather only an upside win win. My water looks like drinking water due to the UV. If you're in a sunny spot, more so. I'm an overkill guy and money wasn't a concern so along with my Aqua 57 watt, I've added a Uvinex 50 watt to my Savio. Algae is non existent but running these properly and not too fast, you kill more than just algae. They then become capable of killing bacteria. To kill fungus or viruses they would have to run too slow but under normal circumstances, you will get a germicidal effect if done properly. These are outdoor ponds and 8 watt or20 watt units are going to be quite ineffective and not worth investing in. For a pond that size, to get results, your looking at a 50 watt.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

If you want the truth about UV units, get it from the horse's mouth. Read what one of the leading manufacturers has to say-
http://www.atlanticwatergardens.com/university/courses/the-un-filters-401

 

[Smaug]

If you want the truth about UV units, get it from the horse's mouth. Read what one of the leading manufacturers has to say-
http://www.atlanticwatergardens.com/university/courses/the-un-filters-401

You make the whole thing more complicated then necessary Meyer. The OP asked about the use of a uv to clear up his algae problem. The straight truth answer is a resounding YES. We don't all have time or the inclination to shoot for the perfect water conditions to totally avoid algae. You are certainly well meaning I'm sure.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

You make the whole thing more complicated then necessary Meyer

Not really. Comments have been made on this thread attesting to the perceived ability of common pond UV units to kill pathogenic organisms in a pond. This, as the Atlantic Water Garden document supports, is not the case. Here is a chart of exposure levels needed to kill some common aquatic pathogens. These levels are not attainable by the average pond UV unit.

 

[Smaug]

The OP did not ask about the killing of pathogens Meyer.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

The OP did not ask about the killing of pathogens Meyer.

But others have and the point required clarification.

 

[Meyer Jordan]

The OP did not ask about the killing of pathogens Meyer.

You posted then apparently deleted the following comment-

FYI, There are no algae species listed on that chart only zoo-plankton, most are pathogenic.

 

[MitchM]

...UV's have no adverse effect on a pond but rather only an upside win win........

That is not right.

By killing floating algae, for example, you are making phosphorus and nitrate available for string algae, which can overwhelm a pond which is overly rich in nutrients. Excess nitrate can also be harmful to fish.

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