Pond One ClearTec UV-C Pond Clarifier
The Pond One ClearTec UV-C is an ultraviolet pond clarifier designed to help control green water caused by free-floating algae.
Water is pumped through the ClearTec unit, where it passes the UV-C lamp before returning to the pond. The UV-C exposure damages microscopic free-floating algae, allowing your pond filtration to remove the affected material more effectively.
If your pond has gone from clear to green as the weather warms up, a properly sized UV-C clarifier can be one of the most effective tools for getting the water clear again.
Available from Simply Fish in 5W, 9W, 11W and 18W models.
What Is a UV-C Pond Clarifier?
Green pond water is usually caused by huge numbers of microscopic algae suspended throughout the water.
Because the algae is floating rather than attached to a surface, you can't simply scrub it off.
A UV-C clarifier works by continuously passing pond water past an ultraviolet lamp.
The treated algae can then clump together and be captured more effectively by your pond filtration.
This is why a UV-C clarifier works best as part of a complete system:
Pond → Pump → Filtration / UV-C → Pond
rather than expecting the UV unit itself to physically remove all the waste from the water.
What Does ClearTec Help With?
The ClearTec is particularly useful for:
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Green pond water
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Free-floating algae
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Improving pond water clarity
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Garden ponds exposed to significant sunlight
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Fish ponds where clear water is important
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Pond filtration systems needing added UV clarification
What Doesn't a UV-C Clarifier Fix?
This is important.
A UV-C clarifier is not a magic solution for every type of algae.
It works on organisms that actually pass through the UV chamber.
That means it is particularly effective against:
Free-floating green-water algae
It will not simply make established:
disappear.
Those problems need to be addressed through the wider pond setup, including nutrient levels, sunlight, maintenance, plant growth and physical removal where appropriate.
Why Has My Pond Turned Green?
Green water often becomes much more noticeable as spring and summer arrive.
Common contributing factors include:
Installing UV-C can deal very effectively with the symptom — suspended green algae — but we'd still look at why the pond became so nutrient-rich in the first place.
For the best long-term result, combine good UV clarification with:
Which ClearTec Size Should I Buy?
Simply Fish currently stocks:
ClearTec 5W
UV-C Power: 5W
Maximum Flow: 1,000L/hr
Length: 35.5cm
Diameter: 8.1cm
Hose Connections: ½–1¼"
Cable Length: 10m
Best suited to small ponds and low-flow pond filtration systems.
ClearTec 9W
UV-C Power: 9W
Maximum Flow: 3,000L/hr
Length: 35.5cm
Diameter: 8.1cm
Hose Connections: 13–32mm
Cable Length: 10m
Best suited to smaller to medium pond systems and lower-flow applications.
ClearTec 11W
UV-C Power: 11W
Maximum Flow: 4,000L/hr
Length: 44cm
Diameter: 8.5cm
Hose Connections: 1–1½"
Cable Length: 10m
A useful middle-ground option for medium pond systems.
ClearTec 18W
UV-C Power: 18W
Maximum Flow: 6,000L/hr
Length: 44cm
Diameter: 8.5cm
Hose Connections: 1–1½"
Cable Length: 10m
Best suited to larger or higher-flow pond filtration systems within the ClearTec models stocked by Simply Fish.
ClearTec Size Guide
| Model |
UV-C Power |
Maximum Flow |
| ClearTec 5W |
5W |
1,000L/hr |
| ClearTec 9W |
9W |
3,000L/hr |
| ClearTec 11W |
11W |
4,000L/hr |
| ClearTec 18W |
18W |
6,000L/hr |
Don't Choose the UV Only by Pond Volume
Your actual water flow through the UV matters.
For example, if your pond pump is moving approximately 5,000L/hr through the UV line, choosing a ClearTec model rated for a maximum of only 3,000L/hr isn't the setup we'd recommend.
The water needs enough contact time with the UV-C light for the unit to do its job effectively.
When choosing a ClearTec, consider:
If you're unsure, contact Simply Fish with your pond size and pump model and we can help match the equipment.
ClearTec vs Pond Filter
These products do different jobs.
Pond Filter
Removes physical waste and provides biological filtration.
ClearTec UV-C
Targets microscopic organisms and free-floating algae as water passes through the UV chamber.
For green-water problems, using UV-C alongside good pond filtration is much more effective than treating either piece of equipment as a replacement for the other.
ClearTec vs ClariTec
This is another important distinction.
ClearTec
The ClearTec is a standalone UV-C clarifier.
Choose it if you:
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Already have pond filtration
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Already have a suitable pump
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Want to add UV-C to an existing system
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Mainly need help controlling green water
ClariTec
The Pond One ClariTec combines pressurised pond filtration with UV-C in one system.
Choose the ClariTec if you're building or replacing the actual pond filtration system and want filtration and UV-C together.
If you've already got a good filter and simply want to add UV, we'd generally look at the ClearTec first.
What Pump Do I Need?
The ClearTec does not replace your pond pump.
You need a pump to move water through the UV unit.
Choose the pump based on:
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Required filtration flow
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ClearTec maximum flow
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Pond size
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Head height
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Plumbing resistance
Remember that the number printed on a pond pump is normally its maximum flow under favourable conditions.
Real flow can decrease once the pump is pushing water through hoses, filters and uphill.
Installation
The ClearTec can be integrated into an existing pond filtration system.
A basic setup may look like:
Pond → Pump → Filter → ClearTec → Return
or another arrangement appropriate for the equipment you're using.
The unit includes multiple hose connection options and the outlet can be rotated to make installation easier.
It can also be mounted securely on a wall or filter box.
When installing:
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Turn all equipment off.
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Position the ClearTec securely.
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Connect suitable pond hose.
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Make sure hose connections are secure.
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Check your pump flow is appropriate.
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Start the pump.
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Check carefully for leaks.
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Only operate the UV-C according to the manufacturer's instructions once water is flowing correctly.
Never Look Directly at an Operating UV-C Lamp
UV-C light is powerful.
Do not operate the lamp outside the protective housing or deliberately expose your eyes or skin to UV-C radiation.
Always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions when maintaining or replacing the lamp.
Does the UV Lamp Last Forever?
No.
UV lamps gradually lose effective UV output with use even if the lamp still appears to light up.
That means:
“The bulb is glowing” does not necessarily mean it is still producing the same useful UV-C output it did when new.
Replace the UV-C lamp periodically according to the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations and your usage.
Simply Fish also stocks replacement UV lamps for ongoing maintenance.
Clean the Quartz Sleeve
The UV lamp is protected from pond water by a quartz sleeve.
Over time, the sleeve can accumulate:
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Mineral deposits
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Slime
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Algae
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Fine dirt
That buildup can reduce how effectively UV-C light reaches the passing water.
If your ClearTec seems less effective than it once was, don't automatically assume you need a bigger unit.
Check:
Regular maintenance matters.
How Quickly Will It Clear Green Water?
There isn't one exact answer.
Results depend on:
The UV isn't physically sucking green colour out of the pond.
The pond water needs to circulate through the unit repeatedly, and filtration then needs to deal with the affected material.
For a severe green-water problem, give the complete system time to work rather than expecting the pond to look crystal clear an hour after installation.
Should I Use Algae Treatment as Well?
Not automatically.
If the issue is classic suspended green water and you have a properly sized UV-C system, we'd first make sure:
Simply Fish also stocks pond algae treatments for situations where additional algae control is appropriate, but we'd rather identify the type of algae first than blindly add chemicals to every green-looking pond.
Simply Fish Recommends
If your pond looks like green soup but you can barely see any algae actually attached to the rocks or liner, UV-C is one of the first pieces of equipment we'd look at.
It's particularly useful during spring and summer when sunlight, feeding and biological activity increase.
But our biggest advice is:
Don't buy UV-C and ignore the rest of the pond.
If the bottom is full of sludge, the filter is undersized, you're feeding heavily and water movement is poor, a UV clarifier is dealing with one part of a bigger problem.
For a good pond setup we'd look at:
Pump + filtration + UV-C + sensible feeding + maintenance + healthy pond plants
working together.
And if you're deciding between ClearTec models, don't simply buy based on wattage.
Check the actual flow through the unit.
That's the number most customers overlook.
Specifications
ClearTec 5W
Item Code: 93090
Wattage: 5W
Length: 35.5cm
Diameter: 8.1cm
Connections: ½–1¼"
Cable: 10m
Maximum Flow: 1,000L/hr
ClearTec 9W
Item Code: 93091
Wattage: 9W
Length: 35.5cm
Diameter: 8.1cm
Connections: 13–32mm
Cable: 10m
Maximum Flow: 3,000L/hr
ClearTec 11W
Item Code: 93092
Wattage: 11W
Length: 44cm
Diameter: 8.5cm
Connections: 1–1½"
Cable: 10m
Maximum Flow: 4,000L/hr
ClearTec 18W
Item Code: 93093
Wattage: 18W
Length: 44cm
Diameter: 8.5cm
Connections: 1–1½"
Cable: 10m
Maximum Flow: 6,000L/hr
FAQ
What does the Pond One ClearTec do?
It uses UV-C light to help control microscopic free-floating algae responsible for green pond water.
Will it remove string algae?
Not directly. String, hair and blanket algae attached to pond surfaces do not normally pass through the UV chamber.
Does the ClearTec filter the pond?
No. It is a UV-C clarifier rather than a complete mechanical and biological filter. Pair it with appropriate pond filtration.
Does it include a pump?
No. A suitable pond pump is required to move water through the unit.
Which ClearTec should I buy?
Choose according to pond requirements and particularly the water flow through the UV. The 5W is rated to a maximum 1,000L/hr, 9W to 3,000L/hr, 11W to 4,000L/hr and 18W to 6,000L/hr.
Can too much water flow through a UV-C clarifier?
Yes. Excessive flow reduces contact time with the UV-C light. Stay within the manufacturer's maximum flow specification.
Can I use it with a Pondmaster pump?
Yes, provided the selected pump and actual flow suit the ClearTec model and the rest of your filtration system.
ClearTec or ClariTec?
Choose ClearTec when you already have filtration and mainly want to add UV-C clarification. Consider ClariTec when you want a combined pressurised filter and UV-C system.
How long does it take to clear a green pond?
It varies depending on pond volume, algae severity, UV size, flow and filtration. The water needs to circulate through the UV repeatedly.
Why is my pond still green even though the UV lamp is glowing?
Check the age of the UV lamp, quartz sleeve cleanliness, water flow, filter condition and whether the algae is actually free-floating green water.
Does the UV lamp need replacing?
Yes. UV output gradually decreases with use even if the lamp still visibly operates.
Do I need to clean the ClearTec?
Yes. The quartz sleeve should be inspected and cleaned periodically so mineral and organic buildup doesn't block UV transmission.
Can I mount it outside the pond?
Yes. The ClearTec is designed for installation as part of an external pond plumbing system and can be mounted securely using its mounting options.
Is UV-C safe for fish?
The fish are not directly exposed to the UV-C lamp. Pond water passes through the enclosed unit before returning to the pond.
