Outdoor ponds are beautiful additions to any yard but they can be difficult to maintain. One common problem that people have is algae blooms, some that are so severe, you may not even be able to see the fish in your pond.
If you’re trying to get rid of algae bloom or prevent one from happening in the future and you don’t want to use harsh chemicals, you’re in luck. The best pond UV clarifier clears up algae and eliminates other harmful elements in your pond water quickly and naturally.
In simple terms, a UV clarifier uses ultraviolet light to kill the single-celled algae that turn your pond water green.
UV clarifiers are made of a chamber that holds the UV bulb. A pump pulls water into the chamber where it is exposed to the UV light before making its way to the outlet and back into the pond.
These units are usually integrated into the filtration system, sometimes before and sometimes after the water passes through the filter. It generally doesn’t matter where the clarifier is placed, but some manufacturers recommend one or the other.
That’s the simple explanation. Now, here’s the science behind it.
Algae are single-celled organisms that are much too small to be trapped by a traditional filtration system. When they’re exposed to UV light in the clarifier chamber, it disrupts their ability to multiply. It also makes them stick together.
When the algae form into clumps, it’s too big to sneak through the filter. Eventually, this process leads to all of the free-floating algae being eliminates and your pond water to be clear once again.
The 8 Best UV Clarifiers for Your Ponds
If you’re looking for the best UV pond clarifier for your pond, you’re in luck. We put together this guide of the best eight products available to help you find the one that’s best suited for your needs.
This UV pond clarifier from TotalPond is designed to eliminate algae and odors from ponds as large as 2,000 gallons. It includes a 9W UV bulb that has a lifespan of up to 8,000, though the company recommends replacing the bulb every year for the best results.
Installation is easy and you can place it inside or outside of your pond, whatever works best with your setup. There’s also a convenient indicator light to let you know when the unit is running.
This product is compatible with ½ inch, ¾ inch, or 1-inch pump outlets and works best with TotalPond pumps the cycle the water with a rate between 210 and 560 GPH. Pond water is pumped into the chamber where the light sterilized it before circulating it back into the pond.
Pros
This pump works in ponds as large as 2,000 gallons.
The included 9Q UV bulb has a long 8,000-hour lifespan.
Installation is easy as it’s compatible with a range of pumps and outlets.
Cons
It may take between one and two weeks to see results.
The bulb has to be replaced every year for optimal performance.
2. Pondmaster DNR02920 Ultra-Violet-Light Pond Water Clarifier
This UV clarifier from Pondmaster is a great choice for medium-sized ponds up to 3,000 gallons. It uses a powerful 20-watt bulb and works with pumps that cycle as much as 1,800 GPH, killing suspended algae and making your pond water clean and clear again.
One of the reasons this UV clarifier is so effective is the slim design that creates a vortex as the water cycles through. This extends the length of time the water is exposed to the UV light which makes the process extremely efficient.
This light also gives you the option of Included are a transformer, watertight sleeve, and a 20-watt bulb with a 9,000-hour lifespan and is covered by a one-year warranty. The 18-foot power cord gives you a lot of lengths to work with and you can install it inside or outside of the pond.
Pros
This product is meant for medium-sized ponds of up to 3,000 gallons and can be used with pumps running as high as 1,800 GPH.
The powerful 20-watt bulb has a 9,000-hour lifespan and is extremely effective at killing algae and keeping pond water clear.
The chamber has a special vortex design that exposes the water to more UV light as it cycles though, increasing efficiency.
You can install this UV clarifier inside or outside of the pond and the long power cord makes it easy to position just right.
Cons
At 19 x 4 inches, it’s pretty big and not always easy to hide in your landscaping.
It can leak over time if you choose to use it inside the pond.
3. Jebao UV Clarifier Sterilizer for Aquarium Fish Pond Fountain
Another great choice for large ponds up to 12,000 gallons is this product from Jebao. It’s covered by a one-year limited warranty and is effective at clearing established ponds or prevent problems from developing in new ones.
There are some guidelines to follow for installation. It can go either before or after the filter and should be secured horizontally using the included mounting plate. It has attachments for ¾-inch, 1-inch, 2 ¾-inch, or 5 ½-inch tubing and has to be used with a pump.
For optimal effects, the manufacturer recommends running the clarifier for 24 hours a day at first. When it’s used with a pump and regular pond filter, the water should clear within two weeks. The bulb has an 8,000-hour lifespan and should be changed about every year.
Pros
This product can be used in new or established setups up to 4,400 gallons.
It’s compatible with a range of tube sizes and can be used with a variety of different pumps.
It’s covered by a one-year limited warranty.
Cons
This Jebao clarifier has to be mounted horizontally and secured using the included mounting plate.
The fittings may not be the right size and it can be difficult to get the hoses to stay in place.
Another great choice for large ponds is this product from Oxyful. This UV clarifier was made for ponds as large as 6,604 gallons and uses a powerful UV bulb to take care of algae blooms and harmful bacteria in the water.
The included UV bulb lasts for up to a year. It’s enclosed in a hard plastic casing to prevent water from getting into the system. It also works best when placed inline after the filter.
Unlike most of the other items on our list, this UV pond clarifier cannot be installed in the water but getting it set up is still pretty simple. It can be installed vertically or horizontally and uses a 17-foot power cord. It also has attachments for a range of tube sizes: 1, 1 ¼, 1 ½, and 2 inches.
Pros
This is a good choice for ponds as large as 6,604 gallons.
The included UV light bulb should last for about a year.
This clarifier can be installed vertically or horizontally and has a 17-foot power cord for easy placement and positioning.
Customers report great customer service and the product is covered by a one-year warranty.
Cons
This item is not submersible and must be installed above the water.
There are occasional problems with leaking.
5. OASE 706759564557 Vitronic UV Clarifier for Pond
Next up is this UV clarifier from OASE. This is a versatile, easy-to-use product that works great with new setups and established ponds. It works with a variety of filtration systems and features a window at the top so you can easily tell if it’s working.
One nice thing about this product is the quick-lock ballast head. It provides easy access to the inside of the unit so you can clean the glass and quickly change the bulb when necessary.
This UV clarifier is for ponds up to 5,000 gallons and, as we said, it works with a variety of filtration systems. It’s most effective, though, when used with a BioSmart filtration setup. It’s compatible with their modular system and installs quickly and easily with no extra plumbing required.
Pros
This product is effective in both established ponds and new setups up to 5,000 gallons.
A viewing window at the top of the filter makes it easy to check if the light is working.
The quick-lock ballast head opens and closes easily, so it’s easy to clean and change the bulb when needed.
Cons
This UV clarifier is not submersible and must be installed about water.
6. Flexzion UV Sterilizer Light Water Clarifier
The clarifier light from Flexzion is great for eliminating algae as well as controlling bacteria and pathogens that are harmful to your pond. It also eliminates odors quickly and effectively and is made specifically for ponds between 1,000 and 1,200 gallons.
This compact, durable design features a quartz glass chamber and an indicator screen. There’s an on/off switch so you don’t have to unplug it every time you want to turn it off and there are attachments for ⅞ and 1-inch tubing.
Installation is easy, though this product is not submersible and must be installed above water. A 1-inch mounting bracket is included and setup should only take about 5 minutes.
Pros
This product is ideal for small ponds between 1,000 and 1,200 gallons and works quickly and effectively.
The durable design is easy to install using the included mounting bracket.
You can use the simple on/off switch so you don’t have to worry about unplugging it or plugging it back.
This product is affordable.
Cons
The housing may leak occasionally and will have to be emptied and cleaned after heavy rains.
There are not a lot of different sized tubing attachments.
It is not submersible.
7. TetraPond GreenFree UV Clarifier for Ponds
Tetra is a well-known brand when it comes to aquarium and fishkeeping and their UV pond clarifier is worth a closer look. This product was designed for ponds up to 1,800 gallons and is o effective, it can handle some algae blooms in as little as five days.
Installation is simple. It comes with ¾, 1, and 1 ¼-inch adapter as well as a 15-foot power cord for easy positioning. This pump is not submersible and has to be installed above water but the green color is easy to hide in the surrounding landscaping of your pond. Mounting brackets are included.
There’s a UV bulb included that provides up to 11 months of continuous operation as well as a stainless steel insert that prevents the UV lights from degrading the plastic housing. This product is also covered by a 3-year limited warranty.
Pros
This Tetra product was made for ponds as large as 1,800 gallons and can clear algae blooms in as little as five days.
Installation is simple. Mounting brackets and multiple tubing adapters are included.
The included UV bulb lasts for up to 11 months of continuous operation.
Cons
This product is not submersible.
It does not always work as fast as it claims it does.
8. Jebao STU Stainless Steel UVC Clarifier
Another great choice for medium to large-sized ponds up to 6,000 gallons is this UV clarifier from Jebao. This is a well-made product and gives you a lot of bang for your buck. It’s made of stainless steel and extremely durable plus it works very quickly.
This versatile product is easy to install and comes with adapters for ¾, 1, 1 ¼, 1 ½-inch tubing as well as a 2-inch PVC adapter. Keep in mind that this UV clarifier is not submersible and cannot be installed in the pond itself.
Something nice about this design is the easy-screw release which makes it easy to perform regular cleaning and maintenance. It’s also easy to change the bulb when the time comes.
Pros
This product is made of durable stainless steel and designed for ponds as large as 6,000 gallons.
Multiple tubing adapters are included as well as a 2-inch PVC adapter for easy installation.
The easy-screw release provides access for easy cleaning, maintenance, and bulb changes.
Cons
This product is not submersible and must be installed above water.
Installation can be difficult as some people received adapters that are not size accurately.
How to Choose a Pond UV Clarifier?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a UV clarifier for your pond. One of the most important is to make sure you choose one that is the right size for your pond.
The products we included in our list are meant for ponds anywhere from 1,000 to 6,000 gallons, depending on which one you choose. If you choose one that is too small for your pond, you’ll never get the results you want. It just won’t be able to keep up with the water volume.
Another thing to consider is where you want to install your UV clarifier. Some of these products can be installed underwater while others cannot. It’s important to choose a design that fits your set up and the landscaping around your pond.
How to Install a Pond UV Clarifier?
Every model comes with its own specific instructions for installation and you should always follow what the manufacturer recommends. That said, here is a general guide for installing a UV pond clarifier.
1. Assemble the unit, being very careful with the bulb and glass sleeves are fragile. Turn off the pump and filter.
2. Position the clarifier. Some models can be submerged in water but some cannot so make sure you know the specifics for the product you choose. If you choose to mount your clarified, a flat, dry surface is best.
3. Attach the UV clarifier to the filtration system using the correct size tubing. Some models recommend installing the clarifier before the filter while others suggest placing it after. Follow the recommendations in the instructions that come with your unit.
4. After everything is connected, turn the pump, filter, and clarifier on. If there is a viewing window on your unit, you should be able to look in and determine whether the light is on.
For best results, the filter output should be as far away from the intake as possible. That way, you know that the same water isn’t circulating back into the filter and you’re treating the entire volume of the pond.
After installation, it’s important to perform proper maintenance on your UV clarifier. The bulbs should be changed roughly once a year and you should clean the unit periodically. If you live in a climate where the temperature drops below freezing, it’s best to store your unit indoors until it warms up again.
Conclusion
There is no easier and more natural way to clear algae bloom than by using a UV clarifier. Not only are they extremely effective but you can also get the results you’re looking for without using any harsh chemicals.
Remember, choose a unit that’s able to handle the volume of your pond and can be installed properly in your setup. Within a few weeks, you should notice a marked improvement.
We have a roughly 12000 gal pond
Needing to know what size we need for this. It would be placed before a hand made bog. Not for sure the size of pump but can find out.
We have a roughly 12000 gal pond
Needing to know what size we need for this. It would be placed before a hand made bog. Not for sure the size of pump but can find out.