We've had a 40w amalgam on the pond for just coming up to the 3rd year now however we only needed a 10w - 15w so maybe it still works because it's 4X overpowered ? I'm guessing bulbs have gradual degradation in power output beyond the rated life span if they are still glowing that is ?
It is sad that in time the light spectrum changes so efficiency drops. But according to my experience the dirty pond and filter causes build up on the quartz glass. So, most of the time thr UV-C just works blinded, without efficiency. Too big water flow is another issue.
We use blue Lagoon or Agua Forte UV-C. Some have integrated computer with countdown for 9000 hours. But a button reset is what it takes to let it run further
Is there a way to check the bulb to see if its blown or if the ballast has gone? Does a UV bulb fail due to the filaments failing or do they just degrade?
Good question depends on the model. Most you can see a glow at night, if no glow, check electrics, if they are ok assume the bulb has gone worst case new ballast or unit it self.
@@thep0ndman Bulb is a bit smokey looking. Filaments ok. I bought a new bulb, the bloke in the shop said 'change every year' LOL. Didn't work. I am replacing the ballast next. It's a Oase bitron. Managed to get the case open and just swap out the ballast for £15... Once I get that in, I will test the new and old bulbs.
To be fair it’s not a bad shout, it only help to stop green water caused by algal blooms from the sun (which unfortunately we don’t get much of in the winter) just remember to turn it back on before it warms up a bit
I have a pro pond advantage 110 uv ,it’s mounted vertically,water is getting into the bottom 2 end caps ,I do have o rings in place .the inlet & outlet are at the top . Would changing its position stop this happening,rotating it or switching it to horizontal? I’m stumped 🤷🏻♂️
Thanks for the comment. Yes best to keep horizontal if poss but if it’s leaking it’s either the o rings on the ends or worst case the quartz sleeve (glass tube the bulbs sits in) hopefully just the o ring
I get my bulbs from amazon 2 for 23.99 55watt changed it half year back it think my original bulb is still good condition i just changed due to myth now i got 3 lmao bloody spending xD
Great advice. i turn mine off over winter, and change it when the water goes green.
Right on bro!
Same here.
We've had a 40w amalgam on the pond for just coming up to the 3rd year now however we only needed a 10w - 15w so maybe it still works because it's 4X overpowered ? I'm guessing bulbs have gradual degradation in power output beyond the rated life span if they are still glowing that is ?
Yea they can degrade but I think most people tend to go over the min recommendation so you normally get more life out of them than you think!
Would you say the same applies to a whoke house UV? Or different standard/wattage etc to consider.
Thank you!
not heard of them cheers
I have an oase bitron, the light flickers when i look in the spy glass, been doing this since new, is this normal?
Yes all good
It is sad that in time the light spectrum changes so efficiency drops. But according to my experience the dirty pond and filter causes build up on the quartz glass. So, most of the time thr UV-C just works blinded, without efficiency. Too big water flow is another issue.
We use blue Lagoon or Agua Forte UV-C. Some have integrated computer with countdown for 9000 hours. But a button reset is what it takes to let it run further
Is there a way to check the bulb to see if its blown or if the ballast has gone? Does a UV bulb fail due to the filaments failing or do they just degrade?
Good question depends on the model. Most you can see a glow at night, if no glow, check electrics, if they are ok assume the bulb has gone worst case new ballast or unit it self.
@@thep0ndman Bulb is a bit smokey looking. Filaments ok. I bought a new bulb, the bloke in the shop said 'change every year' LOL. Didn't work. I am replacing the ballast next. It's a Oase bitron. Managed to get the case open and just swap out the ballast for £15... Once I get that in, I will test the new and old bulbs.
Is it a good idea switch off during winter
To be fair it’s not a bad shout, it only help to stop green water caused by algal blooms from the sun (which unfortunately we don’t get much of in the winter) just remember to turn it back on before it warms up a bit
Have you ever used Savio products
nope
I have a pro pond advantage 110 uv ,it’s mounted vertically,water is getting into the bottom 2 end caps ,I do have o rings in place .the inlet & outlet are at the top .
Would changing its position stop this happening,rotating it or switching it to horizontal?
I’m stumped 🤷🏻♂️
Thanks for the comment. Yes best to keep horizontal if poss but if it’s leaking it’s either the o rings on the ends or worst case the quartz sleeve (glass tube the bulbs sits in) hopefully just the o ring
@@thep0ndman I have it vertical at the moment ,il be changing it to horizontal so hopefully that helps.
Thanks for replying.
How many hour need to switch on each day ?
24/7 for best results!
Thank you 😊
Your welcome!
I get my bulbs from amazon 2 for 23.99 55watt changed it half year back it think my original bulb is still good condition i just changed due to myth now i got 3 lmao bloody spending xD
Lol yes lots of spending thanks for the comment!
New subscriber
Thanks Manda
It's a bit of a ripoff and lots of Kio pond owners change their builds each year.
Yes I know just another expense to pay for! Thanks for the comment