uv light

[onemean]

hi, i purchased some used equipment from someone giving up on their pond. i have a aquascapes biofall and skimmer with 5k pump.. the guy also sold me a uv light. he had the uv light on a separate pump that i would like to eliminate . i would like to hook up the 5k pump to the uv and then the waterfall. was there a reason this was done like this? advantages? thanks in advance.

 

[fishin4cars]

was probably put in after the fact, Slower water flow through a UV light helps the UV rays do the job better but as long as pond water goes in and comes out it will do it's job. I do recommend using it before the bio-filter it will do a much better job before filter than after. make sure the buld is good, I would replace it if you don't know how long it has been run, the bulb will work long after the UV rays that kill the algea stops working. Normal bulb lifespan is one year. at least that's what is on most intsruction booklets, I do believe if you only run it for a few weeks to a month or too and stop using it that it will last longer.

 

[koiguy1969]

after 8 months of continuous use a U.V bulb starts drastically losing its effectiveness.. 11 months its gone....if you only use it for 4 or 5 months a year you can get 2 years out of a bulb. i used the same bulb for 4 years. but i only use my U.V for maybe 10 days a year. its probably fine but my bulbs are only $12.00 for 2...so $6.00 every 4 years is a price i can live with. manufacturers recommend installing your U.V after your filter so its cleaner water flowing thru...you cant really do that unless you have a pressure filter. especially if your filter is your waterfall basin like yours is or mine is. or most any DIY filter.(gravity returns)....the U.V on a seperate smaller pump is actually a good idea.the slower flow makes it more effective.unless it made for that 5k kind of flow.that said, ive never had a problem with mine before my filter. its only a 9 watter and i push 1000gph thru it to my falls not even thru the filter.