Tag Archives: ultraviolet

Mechanical Pond Filters Keep Your Pond Fish Healthy

If you are lucky enough to have a Koi or goldfish pond in your back yard then you know the importance of keeping them clean.  To keep your pond clean you need to change at least twenty percent of the water in your pond on a regular basis is because most biological filters harbor a type of bacteria that coexists with good bacteria. This eats nitrite and excretes nitrate. Nitrate is non-toxic to fish in small quantities and is used by plants as fertilizer.

 

There are basically two types of mechanical pond filters: gravity filters and pressurized filters. Gravity filters need to be placed at some height above the pond and are best concealed behind a waterfall.  If you need a filter that needs to be positioned lower than the pond or several feet away from the pond then you need to use a pressurized water filter. Ultima II filters are a recommended brand because they can be cleaned with a twist of a valve.

 

You might also want to note at this point, that a swimming pool filter would not work on a fish pond. The reason is, in a swimming pool you use chlorine, and the pool water has very little solids and ammonia (fish wastes) in it. A swimming pool filter used on a fish pond will require frequent back flushing. Also a high powered pump will be required to push the water through the filter. Remember, that no matter what kind of water pump you choose, you will need to run the pump 24 hours a day, and this will likely show up as a huge cost your electric bill.

 

Chemical filters are also solutions that are added to the pond to correct the pH level for you and also rid the pond of excess ammonia and nitrates.

 

A recent and very simple innovation is an item called an ultraviolet sterilizer, which although expensive, are easy to install and keep your pond water crystal clear.  However those going for a more swampy or natural effect may not want to opt for a filtration system at all and instead depend on a hand held skimmer and solutions that correct the water’s pH to clear the pond of debris and algae.

 

In the koi world, these nitrates are like smog.  A lot of pollutants in your pond is life threatening, but a, long term exposure to a medium amount is also unhealthy for your fish.

 

 

An Ultraviolet Light Dishwasher Cleaner

Dishwashers get filthy inside. They smell sour and develop all kinds of issues. Usually this is due to leaving dirty dishes in there for a few days before you turn it on so that you can save on water bills. Your sign that you have bacteria breeding in dour bacteria is usually a terrible smell.

 

You may have heard already about how UV disinfectant lamps are used to sterilize surfaces and equipment.  Studies have shown that UV-C light kills up to 99.9% of microbes. This is done without the use of harsh chemicals.

 

How necessary is it to put an ultraviolet sterilization light in your dishwasher. Well first off, studies have shown that 62% of tested home dishwashers contain mold and other micro-organizations that are very harmful to your health. If you do not kill these microbes somehow they will multiply and affect your whole dishwasher. Once you use a UV stick you will find that any unpleasant odors emitting from your appliance disappear.

 

The lamp itself is egg shaped with the top part that contains the UV light, looking like a swirling cage. The unit should be placed on a dish rack central in the dishwasher. It is about five inched high and 2 and half inches wide. It is recommended that you use it after every dishwasher load.

 

The unit does not turn on unless it is dark. This means that it will not work unless the dishwasher door is closed.  The UV light automatically turns on again as soon as the door is opened.  This is to ensure your safety. When left inside the dishwasher it automatically switches on for twelve minutes every 24 hours to thoroughly clean the inside of your dishwasher.

 

It is very important to note that this light is not waterproof. You must never, ever leave it accidentally in the dishwasher or the unit will be ruined. The unit does run on for about six to nine months on 2 mignon batteries.  There is an indicator on the unit that lets you know when the battery is running out.

 

These units are also reasonably priced. If you do accidentally leave one in your dishwasher while it is on then it only costs about $30 for a replacement.

 

This type of unit might just be the start of wonderful new developments in UV sterilization technology for the home. Imagine have a UV light installed for sterilizing your bathroom, your washing machine and the cat’s litter box.