Comments on: Ultra Violet Filtration vs. UltraSonic Algae Control – Technologies Compete http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/08/21/ultra-violet-filtration-vs-ultrasonic-algae-control-technologies-compete/ The Official Blog Of Pond Algae Solutions Wed, 04 Apr 2012 02:44:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Mark http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/08/21/ultra-violet-filtration-vs-ultrasonic-algae-control-technologies-compete/#comment-189 Mark Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:26:57 +0000 http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/08/21/ultra-violet-filtration-vs-ultrasonic-algae-control-technologies-compete/#comment-189 Hi Lisa, UV can work with bacteria but some of this depends on if the system is set up to be a sterilizer or clarifier. All of this depends on the flow rate of the water through the UV. There is an upcoming article coming out explaining this all in more detail. One thing we've found is that some folks haven't had luck with the two together. Others who have used the Healthy Ponds system seem to do ok. I think this is because HP is continually released over a 30 day periods so the pond is "well stocked" with bacteria, even if the UV knocks some of it down on the pass through. Take care, Mark Hi Lisa,
UV can work with bacteria but some of this depends on if the system is set up to be a sterilizer or clarifier. All of this depends on the flow rate of the water through the UV.

There is an upcoming article coming out explaining this all in more detail.

One thing we’ve found is that some folks haven’t had luck with the two together. Others who have used the Healthy Ponds system seem to do ok. I think this is because HP is continually released over a 30 day periods so the pond is “well stocked” with bacteria, even if the UV knocks some of it down on the pass through.

Take care,
Mark

]]> By: lisa http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/08/21/ultra-violet-filtration-vs-ultrasonic-algae-control-technologies-compete/#comment-185 lisa Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:59:35 +0000 http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/08/21/ultra-violet-filtration-vs-ultrasonic-algae-control-technologies-compete/#comment-185 ok you say that ultrasound can work in conjunction with bacteria supplements, can uv also work well with bacteria supplements also. im thinking of a uv stystem for my pond. ok you say that ultrasound can work in conjunction with bacteria supplements, can uv also work well with bacteria supplements also. im thinking of a uv stystem for my pond.

]]> By: Mark http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/08/21/ultra-violet-filtration-vs-ultrasonic-algae-control-technologies-compete/#comment-100 Mark Sat, 23 Aug 2008 01:06:38 +0000 http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/08/21/ultra-violet-filtration-vs-ultrasonic-algae-control-technologies-compete/#comment-100 Hi Larry, This is a great question. In terms of geography and the ultrasound not working in northern areas, that's not been the case in our experience overall. As you suggested though, there are algae types that are more hardy or stubborn and not as vulnerable to ultrasound. Usually these involve certain specific strains of filamentous algae like Spirogyra. So rather than it being a geographic issue, it's always been more of an issue with the algae type. Most ponds have at least several species of algae in them at one time...visually they may not look different but they often are. This is why when someone is considering the use or purchase of an ultrasonic unit from us, we encourage the pond owner to send a water and algae sample to us and we then send that off to an aquatics lab to see what algae is actually present. By looking at the results it will tell us if ultrasound is a good fit for the pond's situation. In most cases it is, and has worked well. In cases where it doesn't fit, there are other options to use as I'll note below. The other interesting thing is that when one puts ultrasound in the pond, particularly where any form of string algae is concerned, there can be a lot of work and progress going on, but it is slow going and visually you may not see much change for a good while. The sonic wave must literally bang away at the outer wall of that algae mass and kill it gradually. Sometimes, algae can grow just as fast, so in these cases it's a good idea to try to knock the algae out first, then apply the ultrasound to keep it from reforming. And finally, I think ultimately it's important to look at ultrasound or uv as one tool. It may or may not be the silver bullet solution. If it isn't, ultrasound in particular can work in conjunction with aeration, and bacteria supplements (which are my preferred treatment options) and fit in well with those protocols. Thanks again for the great question. Mark Hi Larry,
This is a great question. In terms of geography and the ultrasound not working in northern areas, that’s not been the case in our experience overall. As you suggested though, there are algae types that are more hardy or stubborn and not as vulnerable to ultrasound. Usually these involve certain specific strains of filamentous algae like Spirogyra. So rather than it being a geographic issue, it’s always been more of an issue with the algae type.

Most ponds have at least several species of algae in them at one time…visually they may not look different but they often are.

This is why when someone is considering the use or purchase of an ultrasonic unit from us, we encourage the pond owner to send a water and algae sample to us and we then send that off to an aquatics lab to see what algae is actually present. By looking at the results it will tell us if ultrasound is a good fit for the pond’s situation. In most cases it is, and has worked well. In cases where it doesn’t fit, there are other options to use as I’ll note below.

The other interesting thing is that when one puts ultrasound in the pond, particularly where any form of string algae is concerned, there can be a lot of work and progress going on, but it is slow going and visually you may not see much change for a good while. The sonic wave must literally bang away at the outer wall of that algae mass and kill it gradually. Sometimes, algae can grow just as fast, so in these cases it’s a good idea to try to knock the algae out first, then apply the ultrasound to keep it from reforming.

And finally, I think ultimately it’s important to look at ultrasound or uv as one tool. It may or may not be the silver bullet solution. If it isn’t, ultrasound in particular can work in conjunction with aeration, and bacteria supplements (which are my preferred treatment options) and fit in well with those protocols.

Thanks again for the great question.

Mark

]]> By: lake larry http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/08/21/ultra-violet-filtration-vs-ultrasonic-algae-control-technologies-compete/#comment-98 lake larry Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:29:19 +0000 http://pondalgaesolutions.org/2008/08/21/ultra-violet-filtration-vs-ultrasonic-algae-control-technologies-compete/#comment-98 In regard to ultraSonic algae control, can you tell us why ultraSonic devices do not work as described in northern ponds in Michigan or maybe Indiana, but work good in southern states? In the sales literature I have read, they fail to document any reserach on different algae types and why results vary in different parts of the U.S. In regard to ultraSonic algae control, can you tell us why ultraSonic devices do not work as described in northern ponds in Michigan or maybe Indiana, but work good in southern states? In the sales literature I have read, they fail to document any reserach on different algae types and why results vary in different parts of the U.S.

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