Emperor Aquatics, Inc. was founded by partners Don Conwell and Steve Zimmer. Incorporated in 1990, 2005 marks the company's fifteenth anniversary. The company's administrative and manufacturing facility is located in Pottstown Pennsylvania. Emperor Aquatics, Inc. initially specialized in developing and manufacturing of various filter components as well as filter systems, selling into the aquarium, public aquarium and aquaculture markets.     In 1992 the company developed the first watertight, UL listed Ultraviolet Sterilizer line suited for outdoor as well as wet applications, again targeting the above mentioned markets with the addition of the water garden market. Since 1992, the company has worked hard to establish an unmatched reputation as the leading provider of substantiated UV technical support, delivering a variety of UV equipment as well as other filters and turn-key filtration systems.     Today, the company's products are used by government institutions, research facilities, theme parks, zoos and public aquariums around the world. With the smallest UV they manufacture being 18 watts, they have produced commercial UV equipment exceeding 8,000 watts. Emperor Aquatics, Inc.'s UV equipment and other life support equipment can be found operating inside public institutions and hatcheries both in the United States and abroad.     UV sterilizers have long established themselves as a proven solution to both harmful and nuisance waterborne microorganism problems. The company points out though that there is a great deal of skepticism regarding the operation and effect of UV equipment among both industry professionals and hobbyists. For example; the term "Clarifier" was created by a few manufacturers, than copied by others as a replacement for the term "Sterilizer”, fearing that the public would get the impression that UV equipment could sterilize their aquarium or pond. Many of these manufacturers use the “Clarifier” term to create the illusion that somehow a UV Clarifier operates differently from a UV Sterilizer, trying to justify their exaggerated UV flow rates and attempting to legitimize overstated performance capacities.     Regardless of whether UV equipment is identified as a sterilizer or clarifier theestablished UV operating guidelines are the same. Ultraviolet light is a specific spectrum of light just below the range visible to the human eye. UV-C light in particular at 250-280 nanometers with peak germicidal efficiency at a light wave length of 264 nanometers is most lethal to microorganisms, including waterborne algae. To achieve successful waterborne microorganism disinfection the targeted living microorganism must be in direct contact with the UV-C light long enough for it to penetrate its cell wall/membrane, altering its nuclear material (DNA) either destroying it or rendering it unable to reproduce. The benefits that UV provides when applied to a pond application include eliminating waterborne algae problems and harmful bacteria control; the result, healthy, crystal clear water.     Scott Paparella, the company’s marketing manager further explains that while UV quickly solves a waterborne algae (green water) problem it has little affect on filamentous algae that is attached to surfaces inside the pond. Scott explains that nutrient (nitrogen) levels may increase as a result of eliminating the nutrient consuming waterborne algae, the result may be propagation of filamentous algae. A natural solution to this problem lies in creating a balance within the pond by utilizing aquatic plants to consume and control nutrient levels. It must be pointed out that achieving a low-level nutrient balance using aquatic plants requires substantial plantings. For those pond keepers preferring little to no plants in their ponds, establishing a bog filter may be a productive alternative. Other than aquatic plants, routine water changes of up to 50% may be needed to dilute high nutrient levels. Extreme care should be used when conducting water changes--supply only chlorine-free water and match the new water’s chemistry to the existing pond water.     Another misconception associated with UV is its affect on beneficial bacteria that neutralizes ammonia and nitrite, creating nitrate that is less harmful to fish. Scott explains two important factors that must be considered when using UV with applications supporting aquatic life. Regarding new installations; UV equipment should not be operated until colonies of beneficial bacteria have been established. Using water test kits to identify ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels will pin-point progress throughout the nitrification process (establishing colonies of beneficial bacteria). A time factor of 4 to 6 weeks is required to establish healthy colonies of beneficial bacteria in water exceeding 60 degrees Fahrenheit.     Many people believe that UV will sterilize or kill established colonies of beneficial bacteria. Scott points out that these colonies of beneficial bacteria are for the most part not waterborne but attached to surfaces within the pond that include the liner, plumbing and filter media. Scott adds that beneficial bacteria are aerobic, meaning that they require oxygenated water to survive and proliferate. Understanding the importance of key husbandry practices and filter operation factors goes hand in hand with maintaining healthy colonies of beneficial bacteria. These factors include proper water circulation throughout the pond, effective solid waste removal and oxygenating the water. Once healthy colonies of beneficial bacteria are established inside the pond and its filters, UV equipment can not kill these surface dwelling bacteria.     Just like aquatic plants and beneficial bacteria, UV equipment has operating requirements of its own. UV design factors that include UV lamp length, lamp UV-C output, and lamp life, all play an enormous part in the performance of all UV equipment. Designing the actual UV equipment around its UV lamp’s performance specifications will utilize the UV lamp’s UV-C output to its maximum potential. This UV design criteria proves that size really does matter. For example, a longer UV lamp housed inside an appropriately matched UV exposure chamber provides greater UV exposure than a shorter UV lamp housed inside a smaller housing.     Assuming that UV equipment is designed properly and supplied by the manufacturer with accurate performance recommendations (flow rates), UV transmissibility is the number one UV operating factor to be considered. The condition of the water being treated by the UV equipment has a profound affect on UV transmittance. Positioning UV equipment after mechanical filters (filters that remove solid waste particles) allows greater UV light transmittance through the water. Waterborne solid waste particles and waste material coating the quartz sleeve will absorb UV light, hindering the UV equipment’s performance. Emperor Aquatics, Inc.’s UVs are accompanied by a “Green Water” Flow Rate – a rate that considers low water transmissibility due to algae bloom conditions. Emperor Aquatics, Inc. guarantees this flow rate to work, “green to clear” in 3 to 5 days.     Another common misconception associated with UV is its effect on fish and plants inside the pond--quite simply there is none. Unlike chemical treatments, UV leaves absolutely no residual in the water making it impossible to harm fish or plants in the pond. To the contrary, UV can work in harmony with aquatic plants by eliminating their competition, waterborne algae, for the nutrients in the pond water. Once the UV has eliminated the nuisance green water problem it continues to control waterborne populations of harmful bacteria that may be present in the pond water.     As you can see, a UV sterilizer does have its place in the water garden hobby and offers truly unique benefits. A UV sterilizer is extremely safe for your pond and is as natural as light from the sun. But UV equipment is no different from a filter or pump, it has basic operating guidelines that must be followed if success is expected.     Emperor Aquatics, Inc. has a strong commitment to customer education, believing that an educated consumer makes a sound purchase and becomes a satisfied customer! Emperor Aquatics, Inc. is working hard to stamp out the misinformation and unsubstantiated hype with the water garden industry. The future growth of the industry relies on factual information and satisfied hobbyists.     Emperor Aquatics, Inc. is a proud member and sponsor of many Koi clubs and societies, related nonprofit organizations, and Aquatic life support organizations. These great organizations can be viewed at: affiliations.php. For more information regarding UV performance, competing UV brand comparisons or to learn more about Emperor Aquatics, Inc. and their products, visit the company’s informative web site at www.emperoraquatics.com.

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