Fighting the Algae War with UV Clarifiers, Ionization, Water Treatments & Plants

Transcription

1 Fighting the Algae War with UV Clarifiers, Ionization, Water Treatments & Plants

2 Choices The goal of today s seminar is to help improve our understanding of currently available products in the market and how to best use them. Every situation has multiple possibilities and all products have a application where they can be the best choice.

3 Choices Why do we choose to use a particular product? Efficiency Maintenance Cost Appearance Reliability Experience

4 What is Algae? Planktonic Algae is a free floating single cell algae that in large numbers create Green Water Filamentous Algae is commonly known as string algae or blanket weed. In most ponds this will grow on rocks and water falls.

5 How does Algae grow?

6 Options What are the options? Mechanical Filtration Biological Filtration Chemical Filtration Ultraviolet Clarifiers Ion Generators Water Treatments Plants Water Dyes

7 Mechanical Filtration Common names for different types of Mechanical Filters Gravity Filters Pressure Filters Skimmer Filters Waterfall Filters Sand Filters Bead Filters Cartridge Filters Bog Filters Box Filters In-Line Filters

8 Biological Filtration Naturally occurring beneficial bacteria convert nitrites and ammonia, which are normal by-products of a pond, into less toxic nitrates. This process is known as the Nitrogen Cycle, and in order for it to occur, there must be an oxygen-rich area for these bacteria to grow. Nitrogen Cycle Establishing a healthy Biological Filter can take between 4-6 weeks. During that time ammonia and nitrites levels can spike and be hazardous to fish. Water changes and aeration can be used to reduce the severity of the spikes.

9 Ultraviolet Clarifiers

10 Ultraviolet Clarifiers Ultraviolet Clarifiers use ultraviolet light in the UV-C wavelength to damage microorganisms at the cellular level and are very effective at controlling suspended single cell algae in a pond. Once the algae has been treated by the clarifier it will clump together with other algae (flocculate) and be captured by a filter or settle in the pond.

11 Ultraviolet Light UVA is responsible for skin tanning and aging. Ninety-five percent of solar UV energy reaching the equator are UVA. UVB damages DNA and causes tissue damage and sunburn. UVB accounts for almost 5% of solar UV energy reaching the equator. UVC is the most toxic waveband, but most of it is absorbed by the atmosphere. UVC is germicidal. 254nm is the ideal wavelength for ponds.

12 How Big is a Micron?

13 Types of UVC s In-Line Integrated

14 Ultraviolet Clarifier Installation Follow the manufacturer s installation and operation guidelines. The UVC will not perform properly if the maximum flow rate is exceeded. The UVC can be damaged if the maximum operating pressure is exceeded.

15 UVC Maintenance Check the Quartz Crystal sleeve periodically and clean as necessary. Be very careful not to damage the crystal, they can be very fragile. Replace UVC lamps at the manufacturers recommended hour ratings. Most lamps in the water garden industry are rated at 9,000 hours (1 year = 8760 hours)

16 Ion Generators

17 Ionizer Components Ionizer Anodes Ionizer Controller CLEAR-VIEW Tee Fitting

18 Ion Generators WHAT IS IONIZATION? Ionization is the process of an atom gaining or losing electrons. Ionizers generate copper (and silver) ions in minute quantities which are used to destroy algae (and bacteria) HOW DOES IT WORK? A safe low level electric current is passed through a pair of anodes installed in the water system. As the water passes through the ionizer chamber, metallic ions are generated and pass into the water. Algae is destroyed by copper, and bacteria is destroyed by silver and zinc. The charged particles then clump together (flocculate) and are captured by a filter or settle in the pond. IS IT SAFE? Yes, copper is a part of our recommended minimum daily requirements. EPA standard for drinking water is 1.3 ppm,.3ppm is needed to keep a water feature algae free.

19 How Does an Ionizer Work?

20 Whenever possible the Ionizer should be placed after the filter. This will help keep the anodes clean and make the ionizer as efficient as possible. Ionizer Installation

21 Ionizer Operation & Maintenance Keep Copper levels between 0.2 ppm and 0.4 ppm Keep Total Alkalinity between 80 ppm and 120 ppm Test once a week until proper levels are reached and maintained Inspect anodes once a year and replace when they are reduced to less than 20% of the original size

22 Ionizer Applications Pondless Water Features - Ionizers are a perfect application for Pondless Water Falls and Water Features. An Ionizer will eliminate string algae and reduce or eliminate the need for water treatments. Ponds and Water Gardens When used along with filtration an Ionizer will dramatically reduce maintenance and the need for water treatments.

23 Water Treatments

24 Water Treatments Algaecides Beneficial Bacteria Enzymes Barley Products String Algae Removers Sludge Removers Dechlorinators ph Buffers ph Up / Down Foam Removers Flocculants Dyes

25 Plants

26 Plants Plants consume nutrients and block sunlight which help reduce the growth of algae Find plants that are available and suited for your area Use a mix of marginals, floaters, bog, lilies and submerged plants

27 Fighting the Algae War Follow the water Match the system to the need Match the system to the budget Match the customer to system

28 Thank You