Oase Vitronic UV Clarifiers

No, they plug into a normal weatherproof power point.

Yes, most UV bulbs have an operating life of around 12 months so you should change them each year. The bulbs will still be shining after this time but they will have no UV effectively and will therefore not be controlling algae.

Depending on the model, there will be an indicator window or clear hose tail through which you can see the light.

24/7. It should not be turned off as it will give the algae a chance to multiply.

Your bulb could have blown, it could be dirty or it could need replacing. Check to see that it’s clean and working, make sure it’s not more than 12 months old and keep it on 24/7. If you’re still having problems see your retailer for further advice.

No, light bulbs are not covered under warranty due to factors outside of the manufacturers control such as power surges and lightening strikes. 

An Ultra Violet light (UV) is a light that emits ultra violet rays. They are used in ponds to control algae that turn water green. The algae that turns water green is microscopic and as it passes over the UV light it is killed and trapped in the filter.

Cheap UV lights can have inferior bulbs with life cycles of 6 months or less. Some have even been made using non-UV stable plastics!

A UV light will kill all of the free floating algae in your pond that turns the water green but will not control algae on rocks or the sides of ponds as these are more highly evolved plant life and cannot be passed over the UV because they are not free floating.

It is possible to make your own biological filter and we have high quality filter media such as Biomatt for this very purpose. When making your own filter consider the overall cost and extra time it will take to clean. If your time is valuable you’ll be better off buying a filter that’s had all the design work and low maintenance features built in.

No. Swimming pool filters are not suitable for ponds. Pool filters are mechanical filters that are designed to catch small particles in the water. They do not perform biological filtration and are therefore not suitable in ponds. A pond filter will mechanically remove particles in the same way but also remove toxic waste through biological filtration.

If you want clean healthy water yes! You may know someone that tells you their pond is crystal clear and they don’t have a filter but what they’re not telling you is that they’re regularly emptying and scrubbing their pond. A good working filter means you save water by not having to empty your pond and lets you have a good healthy environment for your fish. You wouldn’t let your dog or cat live in their own waste so why do it to your fish?

Only if you’re using a filter with a UV light.

Yes, the amount of fish in your pond will make a big difference to the size and type of filter you require. The more fish you keep the larger the filter you require. Always let your retailer know how many fish you have in your pond when selecting a filter.

High quality filters let you clean the filter without getting your hands wet but from time to time you’ll need to give them a more thorough clean. You’ll need to turn off your pump then open your filter and take out the media. The filter media should be cleaned with pond water or rain water only as the chlorine in tap water will kill much of the beneficial bacteria. Never use cleaning agents or bleach because this will kill your bacteria and then your fish when you turn your system back on.

Biological filtration performs a process known as the nitrogen cycle. In this cycle organic pollutants that enter the pond via fish waste, decomposed plant matter or excess fish food are converted from toxic to non-toxic substances using oxygen and bacteria. If the harmful substances are not broken down by oxygen and bacteria then algae is encourage to grow and fish kills can occur. The process is the same that occurs in aquariums, just on a larger scale.

It doesn’t, you need a pump to do this. A pump moves water and filter cleans it, you need both to get clean water.

Every pond is different and this will depend on your individual circumstance, although generally, you should get at least two years out of your filter sponges and replacements are available.

A biological filter must run 24/7 to sustain the bacteria and oxygenate the water. This is why pond pumps with low power consumption are recommended for filtration systems.

Every pond is different so there is no easy answer to this question. As a general rule you should clean your pump and check your filter when you notice a reduction in water flow on the outlet side of the filter. High quality filtration systems will have inbuilt mechanisms that will tell you when it’s time to clean them.

Yes, Koi are a beautiful fish that can grow to a large size but also produce a lot more waste than other fish species. Koi ponds require high amounts of oxygen and larger filtration systems.

Yes, a UV light does not perform any biological filtration and will not stop the build up of toxic substances in the way a biological filter will. The filter will also catch the dead algae that would otherwise turn into sludge at the bottom of the pond.

Not at all, it is a natural bacteria that occurs in all natural water systems.

Most filtration systems that are available in Australia & New Zealand are manufactured in Europe and the recommendations on the packaging are for European conditions. We have different environmental conditions and therefore most ratings found on filtration packaging will not hold true in our climate.

A skimmer is designed to catch leaves before they fall to the pond floor where they break down and form an organic sludge that feeds algae. Skimmers can be attached to the suction side of a solids handling pump or be built in to the side wall of the pond during construction.

An internal filter sits inside the pond underwater. They are usually attached to the suction side of the pump and are not as efficient as other styles of filtration as they are relatively small and have low oxygen availability for bacteria. Internal filters are used in small ponds up to around 1000 litres.

Where you can locate it; How often do you want to clean it; How easy it is to clean; The amount and type of fish you have; The size of your pond; Will it do what it claims on the box.

Pond filters are known as biological filters as they purify water through a biological process driven by bacteria. Biological filters convert toxic substances that pollute the water, feed algae and can harm your fish, into non-toxic substances through a natural process known as the nitrogen cycle. There are many types of biological filters but all need to be sized according to the size of your pond and the type and amount of fish you wish to keep.

It depends on your individual situation and the size of the pond.

When you’re planning your pond. If you think filtration when you’re planning and constructing your pond you’ll have more choices available to you. We see many cases where customers need a certain type of filter but can’t use it because they’ve already built their pond and there’s nowhere for it to go. Even if you don’t buy your filter right away at least plan for it in your construction so you can install one when required.

Choosing the right pond pump is all about determining the amount of flow you need, at a certain height to create your desired effect. And how do you determine that? Well of course, we have a tool: Try our INSTANT Pond Pump Sizing Calculator here!