FAQ

Where do I install my UV?
The best place to install your Aqua Ultraviolet Sterilizer is after the filter. If an after the filter installation
is not feasible, your sterilizer can be installed before the filter, but it will take a little longer to work.
If installed before the filter, be aware that a small rock passing from the pump can break the quartz sleeve.
It is recommended that if you install your unit before your filter, you check the UV periodically for any water
leakage due to a broken quartz sleeve. Be sure to have adequate pre-filtration to prevent breakage.
(A broken quartz sleeve and any damage caused by a broken quartz sleeve is not covered under warranty.)

Do I have to turn my UV off when I clean my filter?
Yes, but only if the chamber is drained or if the water will remain at a stand still for more than 30
minutes. Note: Running longer than the recommended time without water flow can cause
extensive damage to the unit.

What should I expect after my UV is installed?
If your Aqua Ultraviolet system is installed after the filter and is properly sized the water should be
clear in 3-5 days. If your Aqua Ultraviolet system is installed before the filter the water should be
clear in 7-10 days. The green algae on the sides and bottom of the pond will not disappear, this is
normal in a pond. The UV doesn’t control this type of algae.

What’s the difference between a sterilizer and a clarifier?
As a sterilizer, your Aqua UV system will keep your pond or aquarium water crystal clear in
addition, you will have the added benefit of bacterial control which will help keep your fish healthy
and happy with less risk of disease. As a clarifier your pond will still have a green tint to it, unless
you have 50-75% plant coverage or your pond is in full shade.

What should my flow rate be on my pond or fresh water aquarium?
The optimum flow rate on your pond or fresh water aquarium is to turn over the volume of water 1
to 1-1/2 times per hour.

What should my flow rate be on my salt water aquarium?
Your flow rate should be 3 to 5 times the volume of water per hour.

Should I bypass part of my water through the UV and the rest back to the water supply?
No. Our UV was specifically designed to handle high flow rates for easier installation and the best
water quality.

Is this unit submersible?
Not this specific series.

Does the UV light have any residual effect to the fish?
UV only affects what passes through the chamber. There is no residual effect from UV light.

Does the UV kill good bacteria?
Ultraviolet light does not discriminate about what it destroys. If good bacteria passes by the light it
will be destroyed. Beneficial bacteria are colonized in your filter and along the sides and bottom of
your pond. The only time those will be affected is if it becomes free floating and passes through
the UV.

How often should I change my lamp?
The lamp should be changed after 14 months of continuous use.

Where do I install my UV?
The best place to install your Aqua Ultraviolet Sterilizer is after the filter. If an after the filter installation is not feasible,
your sterilizer can be installed before the filter, but it will take a little longer to work. If installed before the filter, be
aware that a small rock passing from the pump can break the quartz sleeve. It is recommended that if you install
your unit before your filter, you check the UV periodically for any water leakage due to a broken quartz sleeve.
Be sure to have adequate pre-filtration to prevent breakage. (A broken quartz sleeve and any damage caused
by a broken quartz sleeve is not covered under warranty.)

Do I have to turn my UV off when I clean my filter?
Yes, but only if the chamber is drained or if the water will remain at a stand still for more than 30 minutes. Note:
Running longer than the recommended time without water flow can cause extensive damage to the unit that is
not covered under warranty.

What should I expect after my UV is installed?
If your Aqua Ultraviolet system is installed after the filter and is properly sized the water should be clear in 3-5
days. If your Aqua Ultraviolet system is installed before the filter the water should be clear in 7-10 days. The
green algae on the sides and bottom of the pond will not disappear, this is normal in a pond. The UV does not
control this type of algae.

What’s the difference between a sterilizer and a clarifier?
As a sterilizer, your Aqua UV system will keep your pond or aquarium water crystal clear, plus you will have the
added benefit of bacterial control which will help keep your fish healthy and happy with less risk of disease.
As a clarifier the algae in your pond will be reduced, your pond will still have a green tint to it, unless you have
50-75% plant coverage or your pond is in full shade.

Do I install my UV vertically or horizontally?
You can install it either way. The Wiper version should be installed horizontally to keep the wiper seal wet.

What should my flow rate be on my pond or fresh water aquarium?
The optimum flow rate on your pond or fresh water aquarium is to turn over the volume of water one time every
hour to every hour and a half.

What should my flow rate be on my salt water aquarium?
Your flow rate should be 3 to 5 times the volume of water per hour.

Should I bypass part of my water through the UV and the rest back to the water supply?
No, Our UV’s are specifically designed to handle high flow rates for easier installation and the best water
quality.

Is this unit submersible?
No, not this specific series.

Does the UV light have any residual effect to the fish?
UV only affects what passes through the chamber. There is no residual effect from UV light.

Does the UV kill good bacteria?
Ultraviolet light does not discriminate about what it destroys. If good bacteria passes by the light it will be
destroyed. Beneficial bacteria are colonized in your filter and along the sides and bottom of your pond. The
only time those will be affected is if it becomes free floating and passes through the UV.

How often should I change my lamp?
The lamp should be changed after 14 months of continuous use

Are all UV lamps of the same length the same wattage?
No. The power output of the lamp has nothing to do with its length; other factors like the amount of mercury it
contains and the power supply that feeds the lamp govern this.

Where do I install my UV?
The best place to install your Aqua Ultraviolet Sterilizer is after the filter. If an after the filter
installation is not feasible, your sterilizer can be installed before the filter, but it will take a little
longer to work. If installed before the filter, be aware that a small rock passing from the pump can
break the quartz sleeve. It is recommended that if you install your unit before your filter, you
check the UV periodically for any water leakage due to a broken quartz sleeve. Be sure to have
adequate pre-filtration to prevent breakage. (A broken quartz sleeve and any damage caused by
a broken quartz sleeve is not covered under warranty.)

Do I have to turn my UV off when I clean my filter?
Yes, but only if the chamber is drained or if the water will remain at a stand still for more than 30
minutes. Note: Running longer than the recommended time without water flow can cause
extensive damage to the unit that is not covered under warranty.

What should I expect after my UV is installed?
If your Aqua Ultraviolet system is installed after the filter and is properly sized the water should be
clear in 3-5 days. If your Aqua Ultraviolet system is installed before the filter the water should be
clear in 7-10 days. The green algae on the sides and bottom of the pond will not disappear, this is
normal in a pond. The UV does not control this type of algae.

What should my flow rate be on my pond?
The optimum flow rate on your pond is to turn over the volume of water one time every hour to
every hour and a half.

Should I bypass part of my water through the UV and the rest back to the water supply?
No, Our UV’s are specifically designed to handle high flow rates for easier installation and the
best water quality.

Is this unit submersible?
No, not this specific series.

Does the UV light have any residual effect to the fish?
UV only affects what passes through the chamber. There is no residual effect from UV light.

Does the UV kill good bacteria?
Ultraviolet light does not discriminate about what it destroys. If good bacteria passes by the light it
will be destroyed. Beneficial bacteria are colonized in your filter and along the sides and bottom of
your pond. The only time those will be affected is if it becomes free floating and passes through
the UV.

How often should I change my lamp?
The lamp should be changed after 14 months of continuous use.

Where do I install my UV?
For best results, install your Aqua Ultraviolet Sterilizer after your filter. If that’s not possible, it can be installed before the filter, but it may take longer to clear the water. Installing before the filter also increases the chance of debris (like small rocks) damaging the quartz sleeve, so good pre-filtration is important. Be sure to check the unit periodically for leaks. Damage from a broken quartz sleeve is not covered under warranty.

Do I need to turn my UV off when cleaning my filter?
Yes. These units are water-cooled and should never run without water or with no water flow. Running the unit dry can cause serious damage that is not covered under warranty.

What should I expect after installation?
If installed after the filter and properly sized, your water should clear within 3–5 days. If installed before the filter, it may take 7–10 days. Some algae on pond walls and the bottom is normal—UV systems don’t remove attached algae.

What’s the difference between a sterilizer and a clarifier?
As a sterilizer, your UV helps keep water crystal clear while also reducing harmful bacteria, supporting healthier fish.
As a clarifier, your water may still have a slight green tint unless your pond has plenty of plant coverage (50–75%) or is mostly shaded.

What flow rate should I use for a pond or freshwater aquarium?
Aim to circulate the full volume of water once per hour, or at least once every two hours.

What flow rate should I use for a saltwater aquarium?
A good guideline is 3–5 times the total water volume per hour.

Should I bypass some of the water around the UV?
No. The unit is designed to handle full flow for the best performance and water clarity.

Is this unit submersible?
No.

Can I Install this Unit Horizontally and Vertically?
No. This Unit must only be installed Horizontally.

Will UV light harm my fish?
No. UV only treats the water passing through the unit and has no lasting effects on your fish.

Does UV kill beneficial bacteria?
UV will affect any microorganisms that pass through it. However, beneficial bacteria living in your filter and on surfaces in your pond or aquarium are not affected unless they become free-floating.

How often should I replace the lamp?
For best performance, replace the lamp every 14 months of continuous use.

Are all UV lamps of the same length the same wattage?
No. Lamp wattage depends on design factors like mercury content and the power supply—not just length.

Where do I install my UV?
The best place to install your Viper SL is after the filter and lower than the return water line. If an
after the filter installation is not feasible, your sterilizer can be installed before the filter, but
consideration must be given to the total dissolved solids in the water that may inhibit UV
transmission.

Do I have to turn my UV off when I clean my filter?
Yes, the Viper SL Units are completely water cooled, and should not be run without water or
when water is at a stand still for any length of time. This may cause extensive, irreversible
damage to the unit and is not covered under warranty.

Do I install my UV vertically or horizontally?
The Viper SL Ultraviolet Sterilizer must be installed horizontally.

What should my flow rate be on my pond or fresh water aquarium?
The optimum flow rate on your pond or fresh water aquarium is to turn over the volume of water
once every hour or a minimum of once every one and one half hours. Please also note the
minimum flow rate requirement of 95 gallons per minute.

What should my flow rate be on my salt water aquarium?
Your minimum flow rate should be 3 to 5 times the volume of water per hour. Please also note
the minimum flow rate requirement of 95 gallons per minute.

Should I bypass part of my water through the UV and the rest back to the water supply?
No. Our UV’s are specifically designed to handle high flow rates for easier installation and the
best water quality.

Is this unit submersible?
Not this specific series.

Does the UV light have any residual effect to the fish?
UV only effects what passes through the chamber. There is no residual effect from UV light.

Does the UV kill good bacteria?
Ultraviolet light does not discriminate about what it destroys. If good bacteria passes by the light
it will be destroyed. Beneficial bacteria are colonized in your filter and along the sides and
bottom of your pond. The only time these will be affected is if they become free floating. All the
bacteria in the filter are safe because UV has no residual.

How often should I change my lamp?
The lamp, quartz sleeve and seals should be replaced after 14 months of continuous use.

Are all UV lamps of the same length the same wattage?
No. The power output of the lamp has nothing to do with its length; other factors like the amount
of mercury it contains and the power supply that feeds the lamp govern this.

Do I need to add any additional bacteria to my pond or my filter?
No, your Ultima II filter comes pre-seeded with natural bacteria to help the filter establish itself. For the first 4-6
weeks that your filter is installed do not backwash, this allows the beneficial bacteria to establish.

Do I need to add additional biological or mechanical filtration to my pond?
Not unless your pond has a lot of large debris (i.e. leaves, pine needles, string algae). If you have large debris
in your pond a leaf basket or other pre-filtration system is recommended.

Can I bury my filter?
Yes, you can bury the filter up to the valve head. Please keep in mind that if you need to drain your filter for
winter the drain valve will be buried and other means may be necessary to drain the filter.

How often do I have to Backwash?
For the first 4-6 weeks that your filter is installed do not backwash, this allows the beneficial bacteria to
establish.

It is recommended to backwash your filter once a week; however, depending on your fish load and feed rate it
may be necessary to backwash more or less often. After a few weeks you will begin to notice how often it is
necessary for your own pond.

How often do I have to replace the media?
Never, the media does not have to be replaced.

How often do I need to drain out the sludge?
Never, due to the exceptional backwashing system exclusive to our filters, all the waste is expelled through the
waste line, and thoroughly cleans the filter eliminating the need for a sludge valve.

Can I medicate while the filter is running?
No, due to the non-specific nature of most medications on the market any medication designed to eliminate
harmful bacteria in your pond would also destroy any beneficial bacteria inside your filter. If you need to
medicate for any reason, you may set the valve to recirculate which will bypass the filter entirely and run
through the valve only.

What is the maximum flow rate through my filter? (Click here for Ultima II sizing chart information)
75 GPM on 1-1/2″ Models and 125 GPM on 2″ Models.

What size pump should I use?
Your pump will need to be an external direct drive pump. Go to the Ultima product page for information on the
Ultima II Filter size you have.

What’s the flow loss through the filter?
The filter flow loss ranges from 3-8ft of head, depending on how dirty the filter is.

Do I need to oversize my filter?
No, our filters were designed to handle heavy fish loads and heavy feed rates.

What should the reading on my pressure gauge be?
Pressure readings vary depending upon setup, pump, etc. It is normal to have no readings at all on a new filter.

Do I really need to turn off the pump before changing the valve settings?
Yes, if the valve is rotated when the pump is on it can cause damage to the O-rings and seals that is not
covered under warranty.

Why is my pond still green?
The algae that turns your pond green is a microscopic living organism. The best and safest way to eliminate
green water is to install a UV Sterilizer after your filter.

Is the Ultima a sand filter?
No, The Ultima II series filter utilize a patented bio media that traps solids and grows bacteria that nitrify fish
waste. Sand filters are designed to polish water. Never add sand to your Ultima filter; it was not designed for it
and may cause damage to the filter that is not covered under warranty.

Is the Ultima II a bead filter?
No, bead filters use raw plastic pellets that tend to clump and channel making them difficult to backwash and
may require a blower. The Ultima uses a patented bio media that efficiently traps solids, nitrifies fish waste and
has a cyclonic backwash for ease of use.

Do I need a blower?
No, the cyclonic backwashing action in the Ultima efficiently cleans the filter without a blower.

Do I need to add bacteria to the Ultima in the spring?
No, there is no need to add bacteria to the Ultima at any time. The bacteria will re-establish itself once the
Ultima filter is running and the water gets warmer.