Sunterra 334018 18-Watt UV Clarifier

by Sunterra

Product Features

• Max pond volume: 2,000 gallons
• Max pump size: 850 GPH
• Recommended hose: 3/4" to 1-1/4" ID

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 16 x 8.6 x 4.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0015A2NMC
• Item model number: 334018
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,159 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)
  • #10 in Patio, Lawn & Garden > Outdoor Décor > Water Gardens & Ponds > Filtration

Product Description

This 18 W UV Clarifier is an above the ground unit that can clarify water in a pond up to 3,000 gallons. As water flows through the clarifier it is hit with UV light and clumps up algae so it can be filtered out of the pond by your filter.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars YOU MAY NOT SEE THE LIGHT DURING THE DAY, October 28, 2010

By 

Ellie (Damascus, MD) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sunterra 334018 18-Watt UV Clarifier (Lawn & Patio)

I heartily agree with other reviewers about how great this product is, and wanted to add one note: if you install it in the daytime (especially a sunny or bright day), it's very hard to see the UV lamp come on through the "test" window. Wait until it's darker to check if it's shining (it's like a pale blue light). Also, if you take the lamp out of the casing and try to turn it on, it won't - since the UV light is harmful there is an auto switch off when removed from the casing.

UPDATE: The light does what it says it will but a caveat to those who are just getting into ponding: A UV light does not really solve algae problems (especially string algae), you need plants (to compete with the algae for food) and some barley straw/biological additive for that. Also, anything small enough to pass through the UV light (including fish fry and beneficial bacteria) will get zapped by the light.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Works and great customer service, September 22, 2010

By 

D. Lahrman "Espressomiata" (Indiana) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sunterra 334018 18-Watt UV Clarifier (Lawn & Patio)

This clarifier cleared up the water in my 50 gal pond in just a couple days. Continued to work great for just over 30 days when the bulb went out. Couldn't return it to Amazon because it was over 30 days but a quick call to Sunterra resolved the issue with a replacement bulb. Sunterra customer service was very pleasant and efficient.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Still waiting, but seems good so far, March 17, 2011

By 

turtle hulahan - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sunterra 334018 18-Watt UV Clarifier (Lawn & Patio)

I have a small leak where the power cord comes out, but I'm working with Sunterra to see what I can do about it. Otherwise, my 125 gallon pond is getting clearer after a week. I can't see the bottom yet, but I'm hopeful. I had to play around a bit with the water flow to make sure that it was going through at a fast enough rate, but slow enough to sterilize. I've also been gently rinsing the filter daily. One word of advise if you have a small pond - an automotive heating hose works great. It was the right size for the filter and the clarifier (which were both different sizes - it stretches) and has a stronger flow and a tighter seal (even without the hose clamps) than a regular pond hose. They're also only about 6 bucks for six feet.

Well, it's been about a month since the first paragraph. The light box blew out and it stopped working. I sent a copy of my receipt to Sunterra, as they requested, but haven't gotten an answer yet. I'm probably going to buy the fish mate filter/uv combo and cut my losses.