A UVC pond sterilizer or UVC pond clarifier will guarantee green algae free pond water, providing it is correctly specified for the size of your pond and the UV lamp is replaced at least once a year.
The quartz tube should also be cleaned annually with a low strength acid, such as vinegar, for 2 to 3 hours.
I would recommend that you run the UV sterilizer or UV clarifier constantly, without switching it off. As the level of carbon dioxide rises, the potential for Koi, goldfish and other fish to suffocate rises. Always run your ultraviolet system constantly.
If the UV pond sterilizer runs 24/7 and your pond water has started to turn green anyway then either the UV system is not powerful enough for the size of your pond or there has been a build up on the quartz tube.
How to Reduce Algae Blooms From Developing
- Aquatic plants compete with green pond algae for the available nutrients. Pond plants are also an excellent source of oxygen.
- Avoid excessive fish loading. Keep a few fish and do not overfeed.
- Change 10% of your pond water on a weekly basis; this will help to reduce the build up of nutrients. Ensure that you use chlorine free water.
- A floating pond skimmer will remove organic floating debris, such as leaves, grass, twigs and pollen before it has a chance to fall to the pond floor and decay.
Remember that floating green algae is easily controlled by ultraviolet light but blanket weed and other filamentous string algae varieties are not. A commonly used solution to filamentous string algae is barley straw.
The full article can be read at http://www.garden-pond-filters.com/garden-pond-uvsterilizermaintenance.htm where you will find money saving advice and information to help you choose the right pond keeping equipment guaranteed.
Why not take advantage of my FREE pond calculators to help you convert between metric and imperial measurements quickly and accurately.
