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pond
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How to Choose
and Maintain an Ultra-Violet Steriliser
 This
page is here to help you make an informed decision when
choosing the steriliser which is right for your pond,
together with useful maintenance tips.
What is an Ultra Violet Steriliser
?
An Ultra Violet Steriliser is a device which is situated
outside or inside the pond either as a stand alone unit
or more commonly fitted inline (between) a pond pump and
biological filter system. It contains a germicidal
ultra-violet fluorescent tube fitted through a quartz
sleeve which amplifies the light. These parts, together
with electrical switchgear are housed in a weatherproof
exterior casing. UV's can be purchased as a separate
unit or as part of and built into a biological pond filter.
Trident Water Garden Products produce a "Retrofit"
UV that is built into a pond filter lid and will fit most
standard sizes of traditional type Biological filter.
All major pond equipment manufacturers produce a range
of UV's with perhaps the most sophisticated being made
by OASE under the Bitron name. Interpet produce
two in-pond models under the Pond Workers name. Internal
UV,s are more expensive than external ones. UV,s require
a 240 volt electric supply.
 Step
1
Calculate the volume of your pond as an ultra-violet steriliser
needs to be matched to the pond volume. To do this, multiply
the average length by the average width by the average
depth and multiply the result by 6.23 for gallons. If
you require this in litres multiply the result in gallons
by 4.5.
Step 2
Once the volume has been established check the manufacturer's
recommendations for how many gallons or litres their units
will treat or refer to the Lifeforce detailed product
page which will also supply this information.
As a general guideline 4 watt units will effectively treat
up to 500 gallons (2,250 litres), 8 watt to 1,000 gallons
(4,500 litres), 15 watt to 2,000 gallons (9,000 litres),
25 watt to 3,500 gallons (15,750 litres) and 30 watt to
5,000 gallons (22,500 litres).
 Maintenance
UV's should be switched on for the spring season around
mid-March to April (UK calendar) and run continuously
until the end of September/early October (UK calendar)
when they can be switched off. At this time strip and
clean the quartz sleeve inside the unit taking great care
as it is very fragile. Stubborn marks may be removed easily
by rubbing gently with a cloth soaked in methylated spirits.
Discard the UV fluorescent tube as after six months' usage
its efficiency has reduced by up to 60%. Fit a new tube
for the start of the following season. The whole unit
should then be reassembled and either brought in for the
winter or lagged to protect from frost. N.B. If, during
the winter, water is left inside the unit when it is not
switched on damage will result if it freezes. Caution,
never look at a lit tube when unit is switched on as serious
damage to eyesight can occur. Never switch on a UV
without water flowing through it or damage to unit can
occur.
 On
some systems the UV unit may be left running all winter
in which case follow the maintenance recommendations at
the start of the spring season.
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