Find here the essentials and best sellers for our pond owners.
Find here the essentials and best sellers for our pond owners.
On this blog, we have not yet addressed the question of the UV sterilizer for garden pond & pond. This tool destroys harmful floating microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses or even residual algae. We will mainly address residual algae . Its operation is very simple. The sterilizer diffuses light with a very high intensity of ultraviolet rays. But… how do I know if my pond's UV sterilizer is still working?
To maintain a fully cured environment, this tool should be running 24/7. That said, this rule is valid except in a few exceptional cases. During installation (before there are any fish in the pond), you will likely be adding good bacteria to your pond water . At this time, keep your UV sterilizer turned off, as UV light kills bacteria. We also recommend turning on your system seasonally, ie March through September.
In addition, some FOUDEBASSINS turn on their UV sterilizers intermittently to allow phytoplankton and zooplankton to feed. However, this also allows parasites to do the same. It is therefore illogical to turn on your UV sterilizer every other day. If you have installed a UV sterilizer, it is to protect your fish from parasites at all times.
If you install a UV sterilizer in your pool, be sure to note the date of installation somewhere. A useful technique is to write the date on the cardboard and keep it safe in the attic or cellar. By doing this, you will know when to change your UV sterilizer.
In fact, the bulbs should be changed every 6 or 12 months, depending on the brand of the bulb and the manufacturer's recommendations. And to know when to change sterilizer, don't hesitate to test your water to check its parameters: pH, kH, nitrites, nitrates, phosphates, oxygen, etc.
Some garden centers routinely change their UV sterilizers every six months to ensure they are still working optimally. You should know that its power is reduced by 40% per year. So, if you have a more powerful UV than expected, plan to change the lamp every 2 years.
When replacing a bulb, also remember to clean the inside of the quartz tube every year, as it forms a transparent barrier between light and water, and if it is covered with limescale or dirt, the light cannot penetrate as effectively.
Each time you change the bulb, you will have to spend a few minutes cleaning the sterilizer. To do this, disassemble the device, remove the bulb and remove the foam filter to clean it completely. Then wash the inside of your UV sterilizer. Finally, add a brand new UV bulb before reassembling the kit.
A UV sterilizer clarifies water color, reduces pathogens and removes oxidants. To choose it, make sure that the technical characteristics of the tank are compatible with the use of salt water or fresh water depending on the type of water present in the pool. As a general rule, they are all compatible with fresh water, but not necessarily with salt water.
In addition, check that the flow rate and power of your sterilizer are sufficient. The higher the energy rating of your sterilizer, the better the device will be able to kill germs at the DNA level. The flow must be proportional to the size of the jar. And now you know everything about the operation and maintenance of your UV sterilizer!
Just like the rest of the elements of your pond (accessories, filtration system, substrate) it is crucial to take care of your UV sterilizer. After all, it is what improves the well-being of your fish population and helps keep your pond water clear!
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