Healthy water for fish with disinfection

Aquariums and Freshwater ornamental ponds can be fitted with state-of-the-art filtration and sterilization reactor equipment. The ultraviolet treatment technique sterilizes water and improves water quality in both color (lighter) and the elimination of small harmful organisms such as microalgae and phytoplankton.

If you’re looking for an effective disinfection system for freshwater aquariums and leisure ponds, our full range of freshwater UV reactors can be consulted online, and design calculations can be carried out on this page.

Disinfection system benefits

In addition, producing healthy water, without any risk of contamination by microorganisms, UV water treatment is also part of an environmental approach:

For your health, water treatment without the addition of harmful pool products guarantees allergy- and respiratory-risk-free swimming (non-chemical).
It also provides additional value for the environment, ensuring crystal-clear, odor-free water.
The absence of chlorine makes for a safe, environmentally-friendly process.
UV treatment represents cost savings, thanks to extended plant lifetimes and simple, reliable, long-lasting equipment.
Last but not least, the system can be installed and maintained quickly and easily.

Design advice: UV disinfection for freshwater aquariums and leisure ponds

On the UV reactors for fresh water page, many solutions are proposed (up to a unit flow rate of 130 m3/h). For higher flow rates, up to 130 m3/h, please contact us!

Select “Freshwater “
Select the water source to be potabilized, e.g. “Aquariums and freshwater ornamental ponds”.
Enter the flow rate to be treated (for example 25 m3/h)
Adjust the cost of electricity in your country (for example 0.09€ for France; 0.23€ for Germany)
Let 30 mJ / cm² (or adapt)
Specify the temperature of the water (normally, between 5 and 40°c is sufficient)
Please enter your email address, we will send you the design right away

In any case, to ensure optimal disinfection and to determine whether prefilters are necessary, it is recommended that a source water analysis be performed with these parameters:

Iron
Hardness
Turbidity
Manganese
Suspended solids (TSS)
UV Transmittance

FAQ

Is UV treatment effective for eliminating algae in aquariums and ornamental ponds?

Yes, UV treatment is very effective against suspended algae, which are responsible for green water in aquariums and ornamental ponds. UV-C rays destroy microalgae cells, clearing the water within a few days. However, UV treatment does not remove algae attached to surfaces, such as filamentous algae. For best results, UV treatment should be combined with good management of lighting, plant nutrition, and overall pond/tank maintenance.

What is the lifespan of a UV lamp in an aquarium or pond, and when should it be replaced?

The lifespan of a UV lamp is generally between 8,000 and 12,000 hours of continuous operation, or about 9 to 14 months of use. Even if the lamp is still emitting light, its germicidal effectiveness decreases over time. It is therefore recommended to replace it annually to ensure optimal disinfection. Signs such as less clear water or an increase in diseases may indicate a drop in the lamp’s effectiveness.

Does UV treatment affect aquatic plants in aquariums and ponds?

UV treatment has no direct effect on aquatic plants, because it only acts on the water that circulates through the sterilizer and does not emit light throughout the entire pond/tank. However, by eliminating suspended microalgae, it can improve light penetration, thereby promoting plant growth. It’s important to note that UV treatment can also reduce certain beneficial free-floating bacteria, but it does not affect bacteria attached to biological media.

What are the annual maintenance costs of a UV system for an aquarium or pond?

The maintenance costs of a UV system mainly include the annual replacement of the lamp, which typically costs between €20 and €80 depending on power and brand. It is also recommended to clean the quartz sleeve regularly to prevent deposits that could reduce the effectiveness of UV radiation. In terms of electricity consumption, a 9–18 W UV sterilizer used continuously represents a modest annual energy expense.

How do you correctly size a UV system for an aquarium or ornamental pond?

Sizing a UV system depends on the volume of water to be treated and the pump’s flow rate. As a general rule, use 1–2 watts per 100 liters of water for an aquarium, and 2–4 watts per 1,000 liters for a pond. It’s essential to choose a UV sterilizer matched to the pump’s flow rate to ensure microorganisms receive sufficient exposure to UV rays. Online sizing tools or a professional’s advice can help determine the appropriate model for your setup.