Outdoor Pond UV Sterilization Question?

Question

I like to know what do people think of UV sterilization for outdoor ponds,
I have a pond outdoors and it has no shade so a lot algae has been building up but haveing had any issues yet. What other way is there to control it exept for chemicals.
Also does anyone know a good inexpensive UV Sterilizer. I saw a lot of JEBO brand on ebay. How good are they and are the bulb easy to get.
thank you.

Thank you everyone for your graint input, I live in NJ, and we just had a very intresting heat wave, some of you suggested chemicals other canopies, and extra plant material, my email address is [e-mail] please email me w/ more info on the chemical details or bactira to the tank. I already have goods amount of it accumulating in the filter. If I do purchase a UV light I'll probably hook it to a separate pup.
thank you

Answer 1

I LOVE IT!!! I have a filter system that draws the water through the pump into the U.V. light. Then it passes to the filter which catches the dead algae and pumps clear water into the pond!
I DO MEAN CLEAR!
But I have string algae clinging to the sides and I put beneficial bacteria in that I purchase at the Garden Shop every couple of weeks. The fish munch on the string algae so I let it stay and I don't scrape it off the sides. I can still see my fish because the water is clear!

Answer 2

I don't have a UV system in my pond and I was discouraged at the local pond store from getting one. He was even going to lose the sale so I asked him why and he said that they also kill the good things in the pond, and no I don't mean fish. He also said that I would still need my biological filter. Do you put good bacteria in your pond? Do you have 1/2 the surface covered in plants? Here is a site that I find very helpful.... Good luck on your algae because I don't like to use chemicals either and in the hot weather, in the sun, it can be a challenge. Accu-clear is a good safe (pet friendly) product also... it clears up the water from cloudiness. www.WaterGarden.com
The Water Garden's Tip of the Week

Remember that an ultraviolet sterilizer provides clear water but does not eliminate the need for a biological filter. See more detailed information about algae control on our Website.

See links to article on Algae Control on our Pond Info page.

Answer 3

UV sterilizers only get what's in the flow of water that goes through them. A lot of pool algae grows on the sides, and you would still have to scrub this off... possibly more, as the algae that floats in the water competes with the stuff on the sides.

You might look into the new salt systems that split salt into sodium and chloride ions. I hear they last a while, and you don't have to change chemicals very often.

Might also look into one of those automatic pool cleaners.

Answer 4

I had an outside pond for 13 years. Never did any uv sterilization. I used enzymes and barley straw to control algae.

Answer 5

i dont like UV sterilizers, natural is better
study how and where light hits your pond
plant small trees and hedges to block light
you could put awning or gazebo over your pond
put more plants in your pond, cover 80% of surface
do something to make shade