Do I really need a UV filter?

 Yes!  Well, it's not a requirement, but it sure is a great filtration tool.  A UV filter does far more then just clear up green water.  Although it does get rid of green water very nicely!  But it will also make the water more healthy.  Aeromonas bacteria, the kind the causes bacterial infections, will pass through the UV and be destroyed.  Also, every parasite has a stage in its life cycle where it is free floating and not attached to a host.  If during that time they pass through the UV, they too will be destroyed.  So a UV filter is very important for the general health of the pond.  Even koi ponds that don't have a bit of algae can still benefit from a UV filter.


Please keep in mind that in order for a UV to be effective it needs to be properly sized for the flow from the pump.  If water is pushed through too fast then the UV will not be effective.  If it is pushed through too slow, then the bulb might over heat and burn out faster then expected.  UV filters also need to be regularly maintained.   The bulbs need to be replaced once a year and the Quartz sleeve needs to be cleaned off several times a season.  Some UV's comes with wipers to make this easier. 

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