What is Ozone?

Ozone is a strong oxidizing agent and its use maintains the desired Redox level in closed aquatic environments. We produce ozone by passing a very high electrical charge through a tunnel called a corona. Dried air is pumped through the corona and a reaction takes place converting the oxygen to ozone. When we pump water through the reaction chamber (a sealed unit designed to allow the correct exposure/flow rate for maximum effect) and inject the ozone, continuous oxidization takes place. Apart from the benefits of improved Redox potential through the destruction of nitrates, ammonias, phenols and organics.the ozone will kill all parasites, burn off all water borne bacteria and viruses and even control blanket weed!!

Why use an ozone generator?

Ozone is the ONLY single method we have (when properly installed and controlled by Cloverleaf) of destroying free-swimming parasites, bacterium and viruses. It also literally burns up organics and phenols. Due to the relatively short life span of ozone it quickly reverts to oxygen enriching the water quality.

Obviously, improved water quality combined with the high oxygen content and the lack of bacteria to cause primary and secondary infections gives a huge boost to the livestock’s own immune system enabling speedy recover from knocks, parasite infestation, bacterial infections. Another major benefit is the prevention of cross infection in centralised systems.

Systems using ozone generators do not require regular dosing of medications such as malachite green, formaline, acriflavine or antibiotics. If they were to be administered the ozone generated would burn them out.

Can we have too much mV

Yes. An mV over 400 can cause serious problems. At these levels the livestock themselves would be at risk through oxidation to their mucus, gill membranes and so on. This is why it is essential to use a reliable ORP controller.

Redox fluctuates throughout the day. As respiration and photosynthesis increases and decreases due to adding-reducing stocking levels, feeding, gravel cleaning etc Redox tends to drift downward during the day, reversing the trend at night.

What we require is a constant sustainable Redox level, and in simplistic terms confirmation that water quality is consistent through the controlled use of the ozone generator to destroy all forms of contaminants and maximise oxygen content. The ORP controller enables us to reach and maintain a safe and effective level without the need for frequent manual testing and adjustment of the system and ozone generator.

What is ORP?

In simplistic terms “a measure of the ability of a system to eliminate wastes”

Redox is the best method for accurately measuring the system’s capacity for cycling waste, chemically supporting fish, plant and invertebrate life. There is both oxidation (biological conversion of waste) and reduction through de-nitrification and removal of waste.

Redox is measured indirectly as the ability of a system to conduct electricity in Millivolts (1000th of a volt).

In other words ORP Oxidation-Reduction Potential!!

Why do we need a ORP Controller/Meter and Probe

The ORP uses a probe, which is normally situated in the system reservoir to continually monitor and provide an accurate and constant Redox reading. The Controller turns the Ozone generator on and off as required to maintain the pre­set parameters.

What ORP reading are we seeking?

The aim should be a reading in the area of 300 to 380mV for best results. Studies show that a Redox potential of 350mV reduces the concentration of coliform bacteria from 300 ppm to 3ppm

Myths and marvels

Remember when U.V. was going to create hot house Koi as delicate as orchids? When the first marine systems for stores were built and U.V. would close down the immune systems?

Now we all use them!!

Ozone improves Redox Potential by way of destroying water borne disease problems, organics and phenols and increasing the oxygen content of the water.

It cannot save a dying fish!! We are preventing infection, infestation, cross contamination & are providing near perfect living conditions to enable the livestock’s own immune systems to defend and repair damage.