Tetra Pond UVC-5 Quick Start Manual Download Page 1

WARNING:

 To reduce the risk of electrocution, keep all 

connections dry and off the ground. Do not touch plug with  

wet hands.

This product conforms with the applicable provisions of The Code 

of Federal Regulations (CFR) including Title 21, Chapter 1, Sub 

part J - Radiological Health.

How the UV Clarifier Works

• The clarifier works by exposing single-celled algae to very high levels 

of ultra violet (UV) light as the pond water containing them is pumped 

through the unit.

• The algae die and clump together, making them easier for the filter 

to remove.

• While the UV clarifier will destroy the algae, water clarity is also 

dependent on adequate pond filtration to trap and remove the dead 

algae.

• Dead algae may clump, sink and accumulate at the bottom of the 

pond. It can be removed with a fine mesh net.

• For most ponds with normal levels of green water, the cleaning 

process should take about one week; however, with thicker algal 

blooms this may take 2-3 weeks.

• The clarifying process can be made more efficient by regularly 

carrying out partial water changes (up to 25% of pond volume).

• Always add a dechlorinator water treatment when adding tap water 

to a pond.

Turn unit off when treating the pond with any fish medication or 

remedy.

SELECTING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR POND

Determining Pond Size:

In order to determine the gallons in your pond, use this easy 

calculation:

Length (ft) x Width (ft) x Average Depth (ft) = 

Cubic Feet

Cubic Feet x 7.5 = 

Gallons

UV Clarifier Size Selection:

Use the chart below to help determine the proper size UV clarifier using 

your pond size.

It is still safe if the UV clarifier selected is stronger than what is 

specified for your pond size.

Pump Selection:

It is important to control the water through the UV clarifier with a 

flow rate that is within ±10% of the optimal flows shown below in the 

chart. The UV clarification process will be most effective at these flows. 

Water flow that is too fast will minimize the “dwell time” the algae 

cells have in front of the lamp, thus making it less effective. The flow 

rates should be measured on the return flow out of the UV clarifier.

               Pond Size    

   UV Clarifier           Optimal Flow

      660 gallons / 2500 liters         5 watt  

  330 gal/hr / 1250 l/hr

     1800 gallons / 6800 liters         9 watt  

  900 gal/hr / 3400 l/hr

    4400 gallons / 16,600 liters       18 watt  

2200 gal/hr / 8300 l/hr

    8800 gallons / 33,300 liters       36 watt      4400 gal/hr / 16,600 l/hr

Measuring Water Flow:

It is highly recommended that the flow to and from the filter be 

measured using the following technique.

Timing water flow: 

(determining gallons per hour)

A. Record the number of seconds it takes to fill a 5 gallon bucket

B. Divide the number of seconds into 3600, and then multiply by 5 gallons.

Example:

 If it takes 20 seconds to fill a 5 gallon bucket.

Seconds an hour    Seconds to fill bucket 

Bucket Size 

Flow gallons per hour

        3600          ÷               20                 x      5 gallons     =             900 gal/hr

 

Pump packaging instructions will give you guidelines on the flow rates 

(gal/hr) that can be expected at various pumping heights, as measured 

from the water surface in which the pump is located. Use this as a 

starting point, but measure the water going to and from the filter using 

this timing method.

GREENFREE

®

 UV CLARIFIERS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: To guard against injury, basic safety precautions should 

be observed, including the following:

1. Read and follow all safety instructions.

2. 

DANGER: 

To avoid possible electric shock, special care should be 

taken since water is employed in the use of this equipment. For each 

of the following situations, do not attempt repairs yourself:

  A. If the appliance falls into the water, do not reach for it! First 

unplug it and then retrieve it. If electrical components of the appliance 

get wet, unplug the appliance immediately.

  B. Do not operate any appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, if 

it is malfunctioning, or if it is dropped or damaged in any manner.

3. When putting on or taking off parts, always unplug an appliance 

from the outlet first. Grasp the plug and pull to disconnect; never yank 

the cord.

4. Only use an appliance for its intended use. Non-recommended 

attachments that are not sold by the appliance manufacturer may 

cause an unsafe condition.

5. Read and observe all the important notices on the appliance.

6. Do not allow children to handle this equipment. This equipment 

should be kept away from children.

Grounding Instructions

This appliance must be grounded. In the event of a malfunction or 

breakdown, grounding will reduce the risk of electric shock by providing 

a path of least resistance for electric current. This appliance is 

equipped with a cord that has an appliance grounding conductor and a 

grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into the appropriate outlet 

that has been installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes 

and ordinances.

WARNING: 

Improper connection of the appliance-grounding 

conductor can result in a risk of electric shock. Check with a 

qualified electrician or service representative if you do not know 

whether the appliance is properly grounded. Do not modify the 

plug provided with the appliance. If it will not fit the outlet, have 

a proper outlet installed by a qualified technician.

Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection

To comply with the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), and to provide 

additional protection from the risk of electric shock, this unit should 

only be connected to a receptacle that is protected by a ground-fault 

circuit-interrupter (GFCI).

Extension Cords

Use only extension cords that are intended for outdoor use. These 

extension cords are marked: “Acceptable for use with outdoor 

appliances; store indoors while not in use.” Use only extension cords 

that have an electrical rating that is not less than the rating of the 

product. Do not use damaged extension cords; examine extension cords 

carefully before use and replace if damaged. Do not abuse extension 

cord and do not yank on any cord to disconnect. Keep cord away from 

heat and sharp edges. Always disconnect extension cords carefully; 

disconnect them from the receptacle before disconnecting the product 

from the extension cord.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Safety Tips

• Never submerge the unit in water.

• To prevent overheating, always unplug the unit if there 

is no water running through it.

• This unit produces harmful ultra violet light. Do not 

look directly at the unshielded bulb as damage to the 

eyes may occur. Monitoring of lamp operation should  

only take place by looking through the 

viewing window

 

on the unit.

UV CLARIFIER COMPONENTS

 

Warranty information and mail in warranty card on reverse side.

United Pet Group, Inc. (UPG) 

3001 Commerce Street 

Blacksburg, VA 24060-6671

(800) 526-0650 • www.tetrapond.com

® Registered Trademark of United Pet Group, Inc. 

or one of its affiliates, and used under license

©2014 UPG

Screw Cap

*Bulb Protector

+High Performance 

UV Bulb

* Spare Parts Available from United Pet Group, Inc.

+ Replacement Parts Available from Retailer

*Rubber O-Rings

for Quartz Sleeve

Stainless Steel 

Insert

+Quartz Glass 

Tube

*Multi-Diameter 

Inlet/Outlet 

Hose Connector

*Multi-Diameter 

Inlet/Outlet 

Hose Connector

*Sealing Ring for 

Hose Connector

*Sealing Ring for 

Hose Connector

*Hose Coupling 

Ring

*Hose Coupling 

Ring

Ballast

Housing

Viewing 

Window

UVC-5

UVC-9

UVC-18

UVC-36

®

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