There are many different areas where ultraviolet sterilizers are used

Added: 09/20/2005

Using ultraviolet sterilizers is a widely spread way of cleaning water like ultraviolet water purifiers for aquariums. Such devices kill bacteria in water by affecting them with ultraviolet light. But it is necessary to remember that ultraviolet sterilizers are not filters and they will only reduce the level of harmful organisms (algae or bacteria) in water.

Ultraviolet light is known for its ability to kill many of the live organisms, like free-floating algae and bacteria. That is why it is used in ultraviolet water purifiers that are also called ultraviolet sterilizers. These devices are needed in water purification systems for tropical freshwater, drinking water and pond systems.

Ultraviolet light is a part of electro-magnetic-radiation spectrum of the sun. But Earth is protected from this light by the ozone layer in the atmosphere. In ultraviolet sterilizer ultraviolet spectrum is generated by a special ultraviolet lamp. Water (or other liquid as well) is being pumped trough a glass sleeve of ultraviolet sterilizer and passes through a high intensity ultraviolet light. Thus, it receives lethal doses of ultraviolet light which kills bacteria, fungi, protists, viruses, etc. And Ultraviolet sterilizer makes no difference in the destruction of free-floating micro-organisms - it kills both harmful and beneficial bacteria.

For the ultraviolet sterilizer to be effective a pretty slow flow of water is needed, so that microorganisms receive maximum dosage of ultraviolet light. But there is one important thing about ultraviolet sterilizers that they do not perform mechanical, chemical, or biological filtration, they only kill unwanted microorganisms. So your ultraviolet sterilizer must be a part of purifying system that includes other means to clear the water.

It is also necessary to understand that although ultraviolet sterilizers are very effective they do not kill all the organisms in passing water (the only microorganisms ultraviolet sterilizes kill with 100% guarantee are single cell algae). But that can be a good thing if you are using ultraviolet sterilizer for your pond. That quality will leave some beneficial bacteria which is good for your pond.

In the market you can meet two names used for ultraviolet sterilizers which are actually ultraviolet sterilizers and ultraviolet clarifiers. There can be a significant difference between these two devices. While sterilizer is sized as clarifier it may not provide crystal clear water in many cases (and thus more power is needed to clear the same amount of water). But if the device is sized for sterilization you can have crystal clear water with smaller power. So 20 watts in ultraviolet sterilizer can differ for different companies depending on what name is used for device.

Combining your ultraviolet sterilizer with other devices, you need to remember that it has to be the last part of the filtration system. Sterilizers are usually pretty expensive so you need to take a proper care of them to provide long life. First is a pump condition which has to be an order to pump up the needed quantity of water trough the sterilizer. The second important part is a glass (crystal) sleeve which needs to stay clean to provide effective sterilization. So you need to clean sleeve regularly. And to ensure good work you also need to change UV lamp every 3-12 months.

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