Why do we need pressure filters?
The most important part of the filters job is to act as a mini sewage system for the pond. In simple terms the media within the filter creates a huge surface area, which becomes home to many millions of helpful bacteria.
When physical waste such as fish waste, excess food or decaying organic material fall to the bottom of the pond it starts breaking down and releasing toxins into the water. As the water passes through the pressure filter the helpful bacteria break down these invisible toxins and any other organic waste which get caught up in the filter.
Pressurized Pond filters and UV Light Sterilizers break organic waste down, and the most dangerous toxins are invisible to the eye. Clear water does not mean healthy water!
Hence it is vital to purchase a pressure filter, which can easily cope with your pond volume and anticipated fish stocking level! Please always check the capacity of your chosen pressure filter; a rule of thumb is to purchase a filter that can handle the size of your pump.
Pressure filters with U/V lights
How does an Ultra Violet Clarifier or Sterilizer (UV for short) work?
When algae are exposed to UV light the cell wall is destroyed. The result of this is that algae clump together. Prior to clumping a single algae cell has a diameter of about 4 microns (4 millionths of a meter or very very small). Because algae is so small it is difficult for any filter to remove it. However after clumping the filter can do a good job of mechanically removing the algae.
The UV lamp does not prevent algae forming. It works by killing the algae faster than they can make the water go green. The algae will still tend to form so long as the conditions suit them. However if the wattage of the UV clarifier is too low then the water will remain green for the reason that the algae are forming more quickly than they can be killed. If any doubt when choosing an UV clarifier go for a larger size. You cannot overdose with UV!
If you install an UV in a pond whose water is already green then it will take some days to clear depending on wattage of the unit. Also be aware that the quartz tube may well get fouled up with green algae seriously reducing the radiation. If the pond has not cleared inside a week then check the quartz tube and clean it if necessary. Repeat also if necessary.
