UV light question

I got a UV light about mid season last year. Specifically it's the Turbo Twist UV Clarifier. Is it necessary to replace the bulb before it actually burns out? I mean, it doesn't loose it's effectivness or anything....does it? I'm thinking, so long as the bulb is working....the clarifier as a unit is working. Your thoughts? Thanks. Jenny

Jenny,
To answer your question - yes, it is necessary to replace the bulb before it burns out. The UV output of these bulbs falls off gradually with time. Typically the output is reduced by about 50% or more after about one year. Therefore part of your annual maintenance should be to replace the bulb.

I'm glad I asked now. I had no idea. Ok, so this brings me to another question. The UV bulb from the pond company is rather expensive. Is this bulb any different from any other UV bulb I might find at a lower cost.....say on Ebay or something? Or are UV bulbs just UV bulbs in general......and just so long as I got the correct wattage, it would be the same? Thanks so much. Jenny

I would definitely do a match with your existing bulb rather than risk the inconvenience and disappointment of buying one the same length and wattage, hoping that it will be a match. Most likely, though, you should be in fine shape insofar as easily finding a replacement.

ps: it appears that Turbo Twist clarifiers use the "compact" type culbs. Definitely do your homework prior to ordering!

By a match, you mean like the hook up/plug in end? I see what you are saying. I found some on ebay that are 9 W, and they sure look like the same bulb as mine....but it says "used in many nail dryers". I did email the seller to ask for the length of the bulb. And I might as for a closer up pic to compare to mine. But is a 9W UV bulb just a 9W UV bulb.....not matter what it's used for? I understand the wattage, lenght and plug in part all have to match mine........and if they do....is there any reason a bulb "used in many nail dryers" won't work for my UV Clarifier? Jenny

yes they do. They use the same 9W bulb that the Tetra GreenFree UV units use.....I found from a different pond company the *exact* bulb for $10 less than the company I typically deal with. And I also found one of these *exact* bulbs on ebay......along with those for the nail dryer. I guess I'm just curious, and want to get the best deal I can....but definately without comprimising the effectiveness of my UV unit. I've only had my unit just over a year, and I've never dealt with replacement bulbs until now. Jenny

I would certainly match the bulb to the unit..and yes...the bulb efficiency does lessen over time.. Some folks I know only change every 3 years...if it were me...I would wait until it stopped working or at least a couple of years had gone by...but then I dont have alot of money so its up to you.

They can also get deposits on the glass tube...keeping it clean can help you be sure you are getting as much out of the light as possible.

I clean the glass tube periodically.....yes it does get deposits on it. I just had no idea the bulb would loose efficiency. Jenny