Fish pond UV light steriliser

javajim

Please can any one reccomend a good reliable UV light steriliser for our fish pond. The pond is about the size of a bath.
Thanks in advance

wallbash

My UV comes part of a filter, guessing most would. At the moment I have a pond a little larger than yours. My pump sitting on a milk crate ( keeps it above any muck on the floor of the pond ) creates a small fountain and also pumps water up to a UV light water drops thru a double layer of sponge to a small holding tank , than the over flow becomes a small waterfall back into pond. The uv/tank is called a green genie , has worked well for years. Size of light/pump/ tank is determined by amount of water , Go to the nearest Aqua centre and ask questions.

Ps factor in the cost of replacing the bulb ( about £10 ) every year.

javajim

Thanks Wallbash
I have a pump, still working so thats OK. So I need to get another UV light steriliser,
Can anyone reccomend one.
Thanks

fwor

I've had both a separate UVC lamp and a filter box with built-in lamp - both from Hozelock. Both have worked well. If you want a separate one then the smallest Vorton should be suitable.

However, although the term is commonly used, these are not strictly "sterilisers". The main function is to cause algae to clump together so that they can be filtered out. If you don't use a filter as well, you may not find them very effective.

wallbash

Tech term is Flocculation !

And as fwor posted , a UV light is just part of a 'system ' to help clear the water. I think is would be easier if you found a local Aqua centre and saw the very large range of uv/ filters at all different prices . Just go along with the size of your pond ( handy if you know the size in liters. )
I would guess you will need to spend between £70 and £100

I have had Lotus and Hozelock , See wots on offer.

javajim

Thanks for your replies fwor and wallbash.
I will have a look at what is available. I will do a search on-line for one.

wallbash

Good idea , but let us know which one you think is best , then we can give further ( well maybe ) advice.

Best deals were 6 months ago !

javajim

Hi wallbash and fwor
I have seen this one, I would like to know your opinions

http://www.amazon.co.uk/UV-Water-Sterilizer-Clarifier-9w/dp/B005EFHLOO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337504189&sr=8-1

The reason being it has almost 5 metre cable, which is important.

As you see I am not good with links, sorry!

Thanks

fwor

I don't have any knowledge of that specific product, but it seems to be sensibly designed (e.g. with options for having outlet on the same side or opposite).

Looks like it uses a PLS tube. The good thing about these is that they are compact and can be changed from just one end. The bad is that, depending where you buy, a new tube can be twice the cost of an equivalent older style one. This can be a significant running cost if you change them every year as recommended.

wallbash

Also a new one on me , £33 del for a 'light' .
My bulb costs me £10/12 so if fwor info is correct £20 a year on a bulb , would start to worry.

Most of the well known brands come with VERY long cables .

wallbash

You have a pump , you have researched the light ............ but what about the filter?

Ps no one ever said a pond was cheap.