The UV bulb in an Aquascape UltraKlear UV Clarifier should be replaced after 12 months of continuous operation to maintain effective green water clarification. The bulb may still illuminate after this period but may no longer provide effective UV treatment.
The following instructions apply to UltraKlear 1000, 2500, and 5000 UV Clarifiers.
Which replacement UV bulb do I need?
Select the replacement bulb that matches your UltraKlear model:
- UltraKlear 1000 (Item #95036): 14 W High-Output UV Bulb — Item #95039
- UltraKlear 2500 (Item #95037): 28 W High-Output UV Bulb — Item #95040
- UltraKlear 5000 (Item #95038): 55 W High-Output UV Bulb — Item #95041
Important: Always use the correct replacement bulb for your UltraKlear model.
How to replace the UV bulb
- Disconnect power. Unplug both the pond pump and UltraKlear UV Clarifier before servicing. Never look directly at an operating UV bulb.
- Release the ballast locking tab. Move the locking tab toward the ballast approximately ¼ in. (6 mm).
- Remove the ballast assembly. Rotate the ballast counterclockwise approximately ½ in. (13 mm) to release it from the locked position. Carefully slide the ballast and attached quartz sleeve out of the clarifier housing.
- Remove the old UV bulb. Grip the base of the bulb and gently pull it straight out of the four-pronged socket.
- Install the replacement bulb. Carefully insert the correct replacement bulb into the four-pronged socket, ensuring it is fully seated.
- Inspect the quartz sleeve. Check for mineral deposits, dirt, cracks, or moisture. Clean the sleeve if necessary and ensure it is completely dry inside before reassembly.
- Reinstall the assembly. Carefully slide the quartz sleeve and ballast assembly back into the UltraKlear housing, aligning the ballast flange with the matching opening.
- Lock the ballast. Rotate the ballast clockwise into the locked position and push the locking tab back into place.
- Restore operation. Restart the pond pump and restore power to the UltraKlear UV Clarifier. Verify that the unit is operating properly.
Important precautions
- Never handle the UV bulb with bare hands. Skin oils can reduce bulb performance and lifespan.
- Use a clean tissue when handling the replacement bulb.
- Make sure the bulb and the inside of the quartz sleeve are free of moisture before reassembly.
- Handle the UV bulb and quartz sleeve carefully because both are fragile.
- Never operate the UltraKlear with the ballast or quartz sleeve improperly installed.
How often should the UV bulb be replaced?
Replace the UltraKlear UV bulb after 12 months of continuous use, even if it still produces visible light.
Regular bulb replacement and keeping the quartz sleeve clean help maintain effective UV clarification.