Top 11 Best UV Pond Filters & Pond Clarifiers 🥇(Dec 2024)

Last Updated: 21 December 2024

As a pond owner, we would like to make sure that our ponds will always look its best. We want our ponds to have no weird smells, clear water, perfectly healthy fishes, and thriving flora. Sadly, there is one nuisance that may prevent you from achieving the pond of your dreams— algae.

The most common pond complaint with algae is aesthetics. When your pond has too many algae or when the algae start to bloom, they will cause turbidity and discoloration in your water. As a result, it transforms from an eye-candy into an eyesore.

Lucky for you, there is one equipment that you can use to protect your pond from algae invasion—a UV pond filter. In this article, we will be sharing with you all the things and reviews you need to find the right UV pond filter with pump for your needs.

What is a UV Pond Filter?

A pond pump filter is one of the most essential equipment you can ever use in creating your pond, regardless if it is just a simple water garden or a full-blown fishpond. The main job of a pond pump filter is to remove unwanted dirt and debris in the water.

These days, you can find pond filters with UV light. These are pond pump filters with an added device called the UV pond clarifier. This device is designed to kill pond algae, so this is a good option if you are dealing with algae problems in your pond.

If you do not have a pump filter yet, it is recommended that you buy a UV pond filter and pump. But if you already have a pond filter in place, then you can simply invest in an add-on UV clarifier. The good news is, this article is designed to help people find whatever it is they need, may it be a UV pond pump filter or a UV clarifier.

How does a UV Pond Filter Work?

You might be wondering how does a UV pond filter perform its job. Well, it is simple.

When the water is pumped into the inlet of the clarifier to the UV light chamber, it will travel around the UV bulb, exposing it to high levels of UV light. This destroys the algae’s DNA, causing them to divide and eventually, die. When they die, they clump together and float in the water.

At that point, the job of the UV clarifier is done, and the role of the pond filter begins—to remove the dead algae from the water. There are two ways on how a filter does this.

First, the mechanical filter will trap the debris and algae clumps in the water. This filter must be cleaned and backwashed afterward. Second, the biological filter traps the dead algae in a tank where the beneficial bacteria live. These bacteria will then decompose the waste materials, preventing them from causing turbidity in the water.

What size UV Pond Filter do I need?

Determining the right UV Pond filter for the size of your pond can be quite tedious. According to the experts, a pond filter with UV light is sized based on the flow rate (GPH) of the water that is going to go through it.

The flow rate we need here is not the flow rate of the pump, but precisely the flow rate in the area where the UV is installed. That flow rate is expected to be less than that of the actual GPH of the pump since we have to factor in the friction loss.

As a rule of thumb, the faster the flow rate, the higher the wattage the UV clarifier will require. As you may understand by now, there are a lot of things to consider when sizing a UV pond filter and pump. Lucky for you, the manufacturer already has done the homework for you.

When you browse through the various options available, you will see that they have already listed the suggested and maximum flow rate that their product is suitable for. That is why it is always best to take a look at the product’s specifications before making your purchase.

What are the benefits of using a UV Pond Filter?

Over the years, there have been plenty of debates about whether or not; you really need a UV pond filter. To determine what is really the right answer to this, you have first to understand what a UV pond filter does.

Below are some of the benefits that you can experience when using a UV pond filter and pump:

Reduces water turbidity
Kills and removes floating algae in the pond
Gets rid of specific harmful bacteria and parasites in the water

Promotes water clarity
Keeps the pond clear and beautiful

One of the main reasons why some people are against the use of UV pond filter with pump is they claim that it also kills the healthy bacteria in the pond. For your information, there are UV pond pump filters that are equipped with bio-media elements that encourage the growth of these beneficial bacteria.

What is the best UV Pond Filter?

We know that finding the best UV pond filter with pump that will suit your budget is not that easy, especially since there is an extensive selection in the market today. That’s why we have decided to research this for you.

Based on Amazon reviews, we have listed some of the best pond filters with UV light that we have today below. The good news is, we have arranged them according to their cost. They are listed in order of the most affordable to the most expensive ones.

What are you waiting for? Check them out below!

UV Pond Clarifiers – Top 5

Total Pond UV Clarifier – 2000-Gallon – $$ – Skip to section
TetraPond GreenFree 4400-Gallon UV Clarifier – $$$ – Skip to section

TetraPond GreenFree 8800-Gallon UV Clarifier – $$$ – Skip to section
Oxyful 24W UV Clarifier – 12,000-Gallon – $$ – Skip to section

UV Pond Filters – Top 6

SunSun JUP-01 9W UV Sterilizer Submersible Filter Pump – 75-Gallon – $ – Skip to section
Aquagarden 5-in-1 Water Pump for Ponds – 200/300/600-Gallon – $ – Skip to section
Lifegard Aquatics R442001 UV Pond Filter and Pump – 1000-Gallon – $$$ – Skip to section

OASE 032218 Filtral UV Pond Filter and Pump – 700/1200-Gallon – $$$ – Skip to section
Goplus Pressure Bio Filter – 2600-Gallon – $$$ – Skip to section
Pond Boss Pressurized Pond Filter – 4000-Gallon – $$ – Skip to section

Top 5 UV Pond Clarifiers

If you had already purchased or installed a pond filter before you determined your need for a UV clarifier, don’t you worry! You can also find a few UV clarifier add-on options in the market. We have enumerated some of them (along with the must-know details about them!) below:

TotalPond UV Clarifier – $$

Technical specs

Maximum Flow Rate: 330 GPH

Ideal Pond Size: 2000 gallons

Wattage Usage: 9 watts

General specs

Dimensions: 5.6 x 6.2 x 12.8 in

Weight: 3.25 pounds

Warranty: Not stated

Description

Designed to remove the nasty green color and unwanted odor in your pond, the TotalPond UV Clarifier features a 9watt bulbs that can last for up to 8000 hours. If you wish to make sure that the clarifier is still working, you can just check the unit’s indicator light.

Also, the design of this unit promotes easy inspection and monitoring since it is equipped with clear adaptors to let you see how clear the water that goes in and out of the clarifier.

Aside from its intelligent design, one more thing that you would adore about this clarifier is you can easily install it in underwater or out of the water. It works best with pumps that have a maximum flow rate of 500 GPH.

Pros

Quick and easy installation process
Can work under or out of the water
Features an indicator light that lets you know it is working properly

Clears water fast
Works well with a submersible pond filter

Cons

UV bulbs burn out easily
Few users claim this does not address string algae problems

TetraPond GreenFree 4400 Gallon UV Clarifier – $$$

Technical specs

Maximum Flow Rate: 900 GPH

Ideal Pond Size: 4400 Gallons

Wattage Usage: 18 watts

General specs

Dimensions: 4.1 x 15.2 x 9 in

Weight: 1.2 pounds

Warranty: 3-year limited warranty

Description

Equipped with a powerful 18-watt bulb, you can rest assured that this TetraPond GreenFree UV clarifier can keep your large pond clean and clear for a long time. Aside from its power, the UV bulb has an expected lifespan of up to 11 months, so you are only required to replace the bulb once a year.

The clarifier may have a plastic casing, but it has a stainless steel insert which prevents the degradation of the material and at the same time, increases the water’s exposure to UV light. Other great features of the clarifier are its quick-release couplings, quartz tube, and transparent fittings.

According to the manufacturer, the clarifier can remove algae from your pond within just five days.

Pros

Long warranty period

Weather-resistant casing
A quartz sleeve protects the lamp
Viewing window to help you check the quality of water

Long bulb lifespan

Cons

Color is too loud and can’t be easily concealed

Not submersible

TetraPond GreenFree 8800-Gallon UV Clarifier – $$$

Technical specs

Maximum Flow Rate: Not Stated

Ideal Pond Size: 8800 gallons

Wattage Usage: 36 watts

General specs

Dimensions: 4.1 x 21.5 x 9.6 in

Weight: 1.2 pounds

Warranty: 3-year Limited Warranty

Description

If you have a large pond, you may want to take a look at all the benefits that TetraPond GreenFree 8800-gallon UV clarifier has to offer you. The featured of this clarifier is almost the same as the previous product that we have tackled, but it is a step up because it is designed to accommodate a bigger pond size.

It uses a more powerful UV bulb – 36 watts—in clarifying and purifying your pond. This bulb is encased in a stainless steel insert and housed by a weather-resistant plastic casing. With the design of the product’s housing, you can have peace of mind knowing that it can withstand the rain and strong winds.

More than that, this product is easy to install as it already comes with all the fittings, tubing, and accessories you need to get it up and working in no time.

Pros

Works as fast as five days
Durable and long-lasting (both the bulb and the casing)

Prolonged exposure of water to UV light
Great for large ponds
Light and easy to install

Cons

Improperly fitting tubes and connectors
Can only be used out of the water

Oxyful Non-Submersible UV Clarifier – $$

Technical specs

Maximum Flow Rate: 1320 GPH

Ideal Pond Size: 11,887 Gallons

Wattage Usage: 24 watts

General specs

Dimensions: 25 x 8 x 6.5 in

Weight: 7.5 pounds

Warranty: Not stated

Description

The Oxyful Non-Submersible UV Clarifier may be little, but it is most definitely not weak. It is probably one of the few UV clarifiers that would work for large ponds.

It has a flow rate of up to 1300 GPH allowing it to purify ponds that contain up to 12000 gallons of water. You are assured that this clarifier will work properly for an extended period as it has a robust plastic casing that comes with rubber ring to seal the nuts tightly.

Operation of the clarifier is also easy since its on/off control can be found in the plug connected to the clarifier and not in the clarifier itself.

Aside from being a powerful UV clarifier, this product is also quite versatile as it can also work on freshwater and saltwater aquariums as well as indoor and outdoor ponds.

Pros

Removes not just algae but also bacteria, larvae, and other floating microorganisms
Great for saltwater corals

Long-lasting UV bulb
Vertical or horizontal installation
Perfect for large ponds

Cons

The reflector is prone to rust
Not submersible

Best UV Pond Filters – Top 6

If you are looking for a pond filter with a built-in UV clarifier, we also got you covered! Below are some of the highest-ranking and most popular UV pond filters that you can find in the market. To help you find the best pond filter with UV light, please take a look at the honest UV pond filter reviews that we have below:

SunSun JUP-01 9W UV Sterilizer Submersible Filter Pump – $

Technical specs

Maximum Flow Rate: 210 GPH

Ideal Pond Size: 75 gallons

Wattage Usage: 9 watts

General specs

Price: $

Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 12 in

Weight: 2.6 pounds

Kit Includes: UV pond pump filter and UV clarifier

Warranty: Not Stated

Description

With its maximum flow rate of 210 GPH, the Sunsun JUP-01 UV Pond Filter is perfect for a large-sized water tank (up to 75 gallons).

As mentioned, this model is already an all in one pond filter with UV clarifier. Since it already comes with a pump, you no longer need to add any more hardware. This is why many users find it easy to install it in their water tanks.

When installing the UV pond pump, you only need to attach the suction cups to any part of the water tank. You can mount it vertically or horizontally—whatever is most convenient for your tank.

Moreover, the inclusion of the built-in pump makes sure that the contaminated water will be directed to the UV-C lamp, ensuring that all the water inside the tank is clear and clean.

The UV pond pump also features a large mechanical pre-filter sponge designed to trap debris in the water. As a result, the exposure of water to the UV light is fully maximized.

Pros

Ready to install since it does not require additional tubing or pump
Versatile since it can be used for garden pond, fresh, and saltwater aquariums
Strong water filter and flow
Pre-filter sponge clears debris in the water
Affordable price

Cons

High flow rate is not suitable for small breeds of fishes
Filter gets clogged easily

Aquagarden 5-in-1 Water Pump for Ponds – $$

Technical specs

Maximum Flow Rate: 190 GPH

Ideal Pond Size: 200, 300, and 600 gallons

Wattage Usage: 12 watts

General specs

Price: $$

Dimensions: 4′(L) x 2’5″(W) x 2′(D), 5’9″(L) x 2’6″(W) x 2′(D), 7’9″(L) x 3’9″(W) x 2′(D)

Weight: 8.5 – 13.4 pounds

Kit Includes: LED spotlight, UV clarifier, flow adjuster, pond pump, water filter, 8” fountain extension pump, 12” telescopic fountain extension pipe, and three fountain nozzles.

Warranty: 2 years

Description

Considered to be an all in one pond filter with UV, the Pennington Aquagarden 5-in-1 water pump already contains everything you need to build aa beautiful and clear pond. This product does not just include the necessary components such as pump, filter, and clarifier. It also has the bells and whistles like the LED spotlight and fountain heads.

The UV pond filter with pump uses a 3-stage filtering process system to make sure that your pond is clear, and algae-free. The first stage features a coarse filter foam that traps dead algae, waste, and dirt.

In the second stage, you can find a medium filter foam designed to catch the smaller particles that the first stage has missed. The last and final stage uses a polymer wood filter pad cartridge which removes the substances that causes cloudiness and turbulence in the water.

In addition to the filtering processes, the pond pump also has a ceramic bio media which houses friendly bacteria for a healthy pond.

Pros

LED spotlight for a beautiful pond design in the evening
Comes in different sizes
Includes fountain nozzles for the ultimate pond design
Great for goldfishes and Kois
Addresses green water and the presence of algae

Cons

The seal in the UV light is of poor quality
Fountain is a bit low

Lifegard Aquatics R442001 UV Pond Filter and Pump – $$$

Technical specs

Maximum Flow Rate: Not Stated

Ideal Pond Size: 1000 gallons

Wattage Usage: 13 watts

General specs

Price: $$$

Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 7 in

Weight: 16 pounds

Kit Includes: UV clarifier, Pump and Filter System, Fountain Jet, UV Clarifier

Warranty: 1-year Limited Warranty

Description

Another all-in-one UV pond and pump filter on our list is Lifegard Aquatics R442001. This one features a submersible which eliminates the hassle of installation along with the setup problems that you may encounter with a few hanging pond pumps in the market. The equipment has a maintenance handle that allows you to easily place and remove it from water.

The kit features an efficient yet quiet pond pump. Besides, it also comes with a UV sterilizer and filter with a 20 feet power cord so you can easily set it up wherever you want to place it.

The UV pond filter with pump uses 2-stage mechanical filtration with two types of sponges to remove the debris in the water. It is also equipped with a light indicator that will let you know when it is working or not. It also has a biological filter that can stop bacterial growth.

The most unique feature of this product is that it allows the user to add filtration capacity if he needs to do so.

Pros

Additional filtration capacity
Long power cord for versatility
Submersible design for easy UV pond filter installation
Maintenance handle for easy access
Comes with two types of sponges

Cons

Assembly instructions are not clear
Filter needs to be cleaned regularly

OASE 032218 Filtral UV Pond Filter and Pump – $$$

Technical specs

Maximum Flow Rate: 250 GPH

Ideal Pond Size: 700 and 1200 gallons

Wattage Usage: 9 watts

General specs

Price: $$$

Dimensions: 15.2 x 11.6 x 10 in

Weight: 11.1 pounds

Kit Includes: Pond pump, UV clarifier, filter foams, bio-media elements, filter pebbles, nozzles, and nozzle tube

Warranty: 2-year Limited Warranty

Description

One of the most talked-about pond filters with UV light in the market today is the OASE 032218. This equipment has made a name for itself because of its compact design and thorough filtration system.

OASE takes pride in the pump’s built-in filtration system that is composed of 4 different kinds of filter media. These include an EPA-registered UV clarifier, two filter foams, and filter pebbles—all of which provides a strong cleaning power to your pond.

The UVC filter has a flow control technology that allows the user to adjust the fountain height and flow rate of the pond.

To preserve the beauty of your pond, the pump has a submersible design so you can place it on the pond’s floor, refraining it from interfering with the classy design of your pond.

Pros

Easy to clean
Compact design
Available in 2 sizes
Can achieve different fountain displays
Adjustable flow rate and fountain height options

Cons

Fountainhead does not work as intended
Limited customer reviews available

Pond Boss Pressurized Pond Filter – $$$

Technical specs

Maximum Flow Rate: Not stated

Ideal Pond Size: 2600 gallons

Wattage Usage: 9 watts

General specs

Price: $$$

Dimensions: 14.8 x 21.6 x 15 in

Weight: 12.4 pounds

Kit Includes: dual filtration pads, UV filter, pump, 15 feet cord

Warranty: 2-year warranty

Description

The Pond Boss Pressurized UV Pond Filter is probably one of the most efficient UV Pond pumps and filters that you can find in the market. This is because it combines the cleaning power of UV light technology along with the filtering power of pressure.

The UV filter box of this product has a bio-filter media which provides beneficial bacteria a larger surface area to grow in. Also, it has dual filtration pads that are designed to trap both small and large debris in the water.

But what separates this filter from the rest of the products in the market is its no-mess design. It features a pull lever which cleans the filter and promotes hassle-free filter maintenance. With this lever, you can clean the filter without getting your hands dirty!

Pros

No mess maintenance
Long power cord
Bio-media promotes the growth of good bacteria
Easy to install

Cons:

Plastic casing may not be durable
Customer reviews are limited

Goplus Pressure Bio Filter – $$

Technical specs

Maximum Flow Rate: 2640 GPH

Ideal Pond Size: 4000 gallons

Wattage Usage: 13 watts

General specs

Price: $$

Dimensions: 22 x 17 x 17 in

Weight: 17.74 pounds

Kit Includes: Pump, pressure filter, and UVC purifier

Warranty: Not Stated

Description

The Goplus Pressure Bio Filter may be small but do not underestimate its capacity. In fact, it is probably one of the strongest UV pond pumps and filter in this list. With its flow rate of 2640 GPH, it can filter up to 4000-gallon ponds.

The filter has three ports—water intake, water output, and water discharge output. The dial control is placed on the lid to allow the user to switch in between the water discharge output and the water output.

The UV sterilizer helps get rid of algae spores and microorganisms in the pond. It comes with a UV lamp indicator that will allow you to determine if the sterilizer is functioning properly.

The pump also has Bio-balls that do not just filter the pond water but also promote the colonization of the healthy bacteria inside the pond.

One thing that you would surely like about this product is that it is enclosed in a sturdy and durable casing. Because of this, you have the option to place it under the pond or above the ground.

Pros

Sturdy casing
Budget-friendly
Three types of filtration system—mechanical, biological, and UV
Bio-balls encourage the growth of healthy bacteria
Long-lasting bio-balls

Cons

Is not able to deliver enough oxygenation to crowded ponds
The filter housing is prone to leaks

Conclusion

As you may have noticed, we have presented to you two categories of reviews—one for UV pond filter and one for an add-on UV pond clarifier. With that in mind, we will provide you with the product recommendation for these categories.

For the pond filter with UV light category, we would have to consider the size of your tank.

For a small-sized tank, the SunSun JUP-01 9W UV Sterilizer Submersible Filter Pump is a good option.

For the mid-sized ponds, our recommended product would be OASE 032218 Filtral UV Pond Filter and Pump because of it uses many filter media to ensure that the pond will be free of algae, debris, and bacteria.

On the other hand, large-sized ponds would benefit from the use of GoPlus Pressure Bio-Filter.

When it comes to the add-on UV clarifiers, we choose the TetraPond GreenFree 8800-gallon UV clarifier because it is suitable for medium to large ponds and has a powerful UV bulb that has a long life span.