All Cloverleaf UV Clarifiers make use of quality Germicidal lamps with a specification wavelength of 254nm (nanometres) - also known as UV-C or shortwave. This range is proven to be the most effective in germicidal applications, but for a few home truths and further details on performance CLICK HERE.

Warnings: (1) Never look directly at a UV lamp whilst switched on as this can cause severe damage to the eyes. (2) All pond related electrical devices should be adequately protected via an RCD unit.

Single cell algae’s forming green water are not just unpleasant to look at, but at the same time contribute to lowering the “kh” value which is so important to fish health, and to the nitrification process within the filter system. Algae’s also contribute towards lowering oxygen levels, whilst meanwhile increasing “ph” levels – both of which are not desirable. The use of Ultra Violet is the safest of international techniques for obtaining clear water, and unlike many chemicals detrimental effects or pollution is impossible. In addition general plant and pond life are unaffected with a UV.

The actions of ultra violet light onto single cell algae’s does not actually kill them, but converts the algae’s DNA structure to the point where they flocculate together, and thus form larger particles which will not so easily pass through the mechanical filter mediums. The amount of sunlight which the pond receives is the biggest of factors in the promotion of algae's, and for such reasons the selected size of a UV unit should take such environmental aspects into account (see UV Calculation Page).

Above: Off The Shelf Models

Above: Smartstart Germicidal Lamp

Above: Example Smartstart Special Factory Order 576Watt - 8 Bar

Following on from the great success of their Standard Stainless Steel UV clarifiers, Cloverleaf have taken technology one further step towards perfection in now launching the high-tec high performance Smartstart Stainless Steel UV, which through design and build quality offers numerous advantages to the fastidious pond keeper.

Key features include a unique starter ballast unit built into the Smartstart lamp (see photo), which unlike conventional ballasts offers consistent light performance throughout the year when the replacement of the Smartstart lamp is equal to installing a new ballast. Additional quality features include a visually sleek design with the provision of double seal end caps which have been pressure tested to a high 10 bar. This specification coupled with the use of a genuine heavy gauge 316L polished stainless steel body/radiation chamber, together with a removable fused Quartz sleeve (not plastic) should hopefully indicate that only the best components have been used in the Smartstart’s construction.

In the past it was somewhat pointless debating the topic of conventional external ballast units degrading in performance over the years, because there was no solution to the problem - but now there is a solution via Cloverleaf’s Smartstart.

The unique Smartstart germicidal lamp is rated for 9,000 hours of use (better than many competitors 5,000 hours), and with Cloverleaf’s spiral flow chamber optimum performance is achieved – with an improved efficiency of 35% above conventional plastic bodied UV’s.

Off the shelf Smartstart UV’s range from 24 watt to 144 watt, and combine innovative design with long lasting construction and great value for money, all of which Cloverleaf believe will put the "Smartstart" firmly ahead of its international market competitors. As special factory orders larger Smartstart units will be available up to a massive 12 bar (12 lamp) 864 watt.

Advanced design coupled with the extremely good value of Cloverleaf’s stainless steel UV’s has meant that the manufacture of Cloverleaf standard plastic bodied UV's is due to cease in the near future (due to an anticipated low demand).

The efficiency of Smartstarts are such that the lamp wattage can afford to be reduced even beyond those specified within Cloverleaf’s standard SS UV’s. As an example a 72watt “Smartstart” is equivalent or better than  90watts in a standard stainless steel unit.

Cloverleaf's Smartstart Stainless Steel UV's are set to be the No1 choice for those seeking simply the best.

As at December 2005 the Cloverleaf factory are already manufacturing the Smartstart UV ready for the demand in 2006.

Smartstart is the future - but available now.

With so many small garden ponds with capacities from 750 to 1500 gallons this unit will be totally ideal for many pond keepers, and at a price not much different than “some” plastic bodied UV’s on the market it will surely be reviewed as highly desirable.
 

Above: Smartstart Germicidal Lamp

The 48 watt model is suitable for ponds up to 3,000 gallons (13500 litres), with the 72 watt model being suitable for ponds up to a maximum of 7,000 gallons (31500 litres) based on full sun exposure.

It is believed that the 48 watt model will prove to be immensely popular when it can be easily upgraded at a later date to a 72 watt version, simply by changing the lamps for a larger size.

Above: Close Up Of Ends

NOTE:
Cloverleaf are not in a position of being able to confirm exactly what a potential purchaser will have to pay for a 144 Watt Smartstart from an appointed dealer, but as a rough guide retail price could likely be under £400. Beyond the Smartstart being leading edge technology it will be seen that the Smartstart range is great value.
 

This cutaway diagram typically illustrates construction, together with the design concept of inducing a unique spiral water flow – thus exposing the algae cells to a longer period in contact with the UV rays, but without significantly reducing water flow rates.

All Cloverleaf Ultra Violet Clarifiers are manufactured and conform to BS EN 60335-2-55 1993, and to BS EN 60335-1-55 1988, and comply to the Low Voltage Directive (Safety).

With performance, build quality, and value for money being important factors for most pond keepers it is believed that the 30 Watt and 55 Watt models will be very popular. Anyone purchasing the 30 Watt model will always have the option of upgrading at a later date to 55 Watt.

In terms of matching UV size to pond gallonage, it is recommended that to gain full advantage of the stainless steel design concept that the “selection chart” applicable for standard UV’s is still used as a practical guide (see below).