UV Clarifiers For Pond Algae Control

How Do They Work?
A common way for home owners to keep their pond water clear is by the use of a UV clarifier. If you use a high quality biological filter that is capable of filtering your size pond and fish load you will not likely need a UV. If the filter is not capable of filtering your pond, you will have excess nutrients in the water and will likely have a green water algae problem. A UV clarifier works by passing the water through a tube next to a UV bulb. The high intensity light kills off the microscopic algae cells that form green water. Make no mistake, a UV will not control string algae since the string algae does not flow through the tube next the the light bulb.

You will notice some manufacturers call their units UV sterilizers. The only difference between a UV clarifier and a UV sterilizer is how fast the water flows through the tube. Algae cells are relatively easy to kill so you can pass the water (and the cells) through the tube at a faster rate and still achieve results. Many other microorganisms (bacteria, virus strains, etc.) are harder to kill so the water needs to pass through the tube slower to achieve a complete kill. The slower the water passes through, the smaller the pond size it can effectively control. Manufacturers who try to control algae call their units "clarifiers" and publish higher flow rates while those who sterilize the water of all living organisms use slower flow rates. A UV clarifier can be used as a sterilizer by simply slowing down the flow of water passing through it.

Always shut off a UV for 24 hours when adding bacteria to your pond. A UV does not discriminate what it is killing so any beneficial bacteria added to your pond would likely pass through the UV and be killed off. Bacteria typically adheres itself to something (filter material) within 24 hours and is then safe.

aqua ultraviolet

Aqua Ultraviolet UV's are guaranteed to rid ponds of green water!

2" inlet/outlets on all UV's for unrestricted plumbing!

aqua ultraviolet uv

Advantages of Aqua-UV:

  • Lifetime warranty on housing
  • Designed for outdoor use
  • Industry's longest lamp-life
  • Over 25 years experience-the leader in UV innovation
  • EZ Twist cap allows for easy inspection/cleaning of quartz sleeve
  • Aqua ultraviolet manufactures their own UV bulbs and offer an industry high 14 months of continuous use!
  • All units have 2" inlet/outlet connections for unrestricted flow
  • Free unions on inlets/outlets on all UVs!

Ultraviolet sterilization is a proven, dependable and effective method for controlling and eradicating algae spores, bacteria, and protozoa present in the water source. Ultraviolet alters or disrupts the DNA and RNA or target organisms. By properly implementing an Aqua Ultravioletâ„¢ disinfection system in-line, the targeted organisms can be eradicated effectively without any harmful residuals.

The table below provides recommendations on particular models and how they can be used as either a sterlizer or clarifier. For chronic green water problems we'd suggest using the sterilizer rating.

To purchase the UV system, the best current pricing we've found as been on Amazon. You can view their selection through the link below.


Click Here For The Best Prices On UV Pond Clarifiers




Part #
Watts AS Sterilizer AS Clarifier Ship Weight
Max. Pond Size GPM Flow Max. Pond Size GPM Flow
AU8 8 300 11 1500 16 7 lbs
AU15 15 600 12 2000 30 8 lbs
AU25 25 1200 20 4000 35 8 lbs
AU40 40 2000 47 6000 50 10 lbs
AU57 57 3000 54 6500 58 8 lbs
AU80 80 4400 61 9000 75 17/30 lbs
AU120 120 6000 68 12000 108 20/30 lbs
AU160 160 8500 90 16000 150 28/75 lbs
AU200 200 13000 110 20000 165 32/75 lbs
AU240 240 17000 120 25000 200 36/75 lbs

NOTE: UV sterilizers pass the water by the bulb slower for a more complete kill. UV clarifier passes the water through faster and will still kill all algae cells but may not kill types of bacteria or virus in the water.


Aqua Ultraviolet UV Bulbs and Sleeves Replacement Parts:

Aqua UV replacement bulbs, sleeves, and other parts are available upon request. Please contact us via email with information on the Aqua Ultraviolet UV system you have and we can suggest the appropriate parts and current pricing as well.

  • UV's up to 57 watts use a single bulb and quartz sleeve.
  • Units 80 watts and larger use multiple bulbs and sleeves (i.e. a 120 watt UV uses three 40 watt bulbs and sleeves).
  • For maximum control of green water Aqua Ultraviolet UV bulbs should be changed after approximately 14 months of operation. The bulb will still light up but it's effectiveness may diminish after this time period.