ClearTronic 7W

The OASE ClearTronic inline clarifiers represent a compact and effective solution designed for the physical treatment of water in private indoor aquariums, accommodating both freshwater and marine environments. The unit is installed outside the aquarium, integrated into the water circuit, ideally upstream of a filter, or connected into a possible separate pump-fed water circuit. Its primary function is to expose the stream of water circulating through its internal housing to controlled ultraviolet radiation, purposefully counteracting water cloudiness caused by waterborne single-celled algae proliferation as well as free-floating bacteria and germs. Equipped with a space-saving outer casing, threaded hose connectors with union nuts and seals, and a safe optical viewing window, this equipment family helps aquarists maintain visual water clarity and favorable hygiene conditions without introducing chemical additives or soluble treatment agents into the aquarium water.

This family of inline clarifiers is well suited for aquarists aiming to manage water turbidity issues, such as green water caused by floating single-celled algae blooms or cloudy water arising from bacterial surges in the water column. It is particularly useful in well-stocked community aquariums, planted aquascapes, and marine setups where visual water clarity and the containment of waterborne microbial pressure support the stability of the aquatic environment. Because the unit is installed outside the aquarium, it allows hobbyists to preserve an open layout inside the tank without submerged technical equipment taking up swimming space. The clarifier serves as a reliable hygiene supplement during routine operation or during phases of biological rebalancing following major maintenance interventions and water adjustments.

The clarifying process relies on continuous water circulation through an enclosed internal housing that contains an ultraviolet radiation lamp protected by a transparent quartz glass tube. As water flows through the narrow channel between the inner housing wall and the quartz tube, waterborne microorganisms and single-celled algae passing through the unit are exposed to ultraviolet radiation, which alters their cellular structures and curtails further multiplication. The effectiveness of this physical treatment depends directly on the water flow rate and contact dwell time: moderate flow rates prolong the exposure time of passing water, making them suitable for reducing waterborne bacteria and germs, whereas higher flow rates remain effective for clearing waterborne algae-related turbidity. Because radiation is confined strictly within the device housing, beneficial bacterial colonies attached to biological filter media, substrate beds, rocks, and decorative surfaces are not directly captured by the radiation field, though this does not imply that every beneficial organism in the entire system is unaffected. An integrated optical viewing window allows the user to safely check whether the lamp is illuminated from the outside without hazardous direct eye exposure to ultraviolet light.

ClearTronic clarifiers are intended strictly for private indoor use and must be installed outside the aquarium in a permitted position with adequate clearance for maintenance access, and they must never be submerged in water. They are fully compatible with both freshwater and saltwater aquarium systems. Hydraulic integration is achieved using hose connectors with union nuts and seals designed for standard flexible aquarium hoses, integrating into the water circuit, ideally upstream of a filter, or connecting into a possible separate pump-fed circuit. The clarifier is designed to operate under low hydraulic pressure within the manufacturer's permitted limits and under water temperatures typical of indoor aquarium environments. For electrical supply, the unit must be connected to a correctly installed electrical socket protected by a residual current device, supporting reliable operation within the home aquarium installation.

Before commencing any installation, connection, or handling work, disconnect the electrical power supply to the unit and any associated equipment being handled. Position the clarifier indoors and outside the aquarium in a permitted location, ensuring sufficient maintenance clearance for future lamp and quartz tube servicing. Screw the hose connector with its union nut and seal onto the inlet and outlet of the housing, hand-tighten the union nut, and secure the flexible hose onto the connector using its lock nut to prevent unintentional slippage. The startup procedure must follow a strict sequential order: always switch on the water circulation pump first to fill the clarifier housing with water, and carefully check all hose connections, threaded joints, and seals for leaks. Only after verifying that all connections are leak-free should the power plug of the UVC unit be connected to the electrical supply. An integrated safety interlock ensures that the lamp can operate only when the unit head is correctly fitted into the housing.

To sustain consistent performance, the clarifier requires periodic inspection and maintenance. Always disconnect the power plug from the electrical socket before opening or handling the device. The ultraviolet lamp is a consumable part whose radiation output gradually diminishes over operating hours; to maintain proper clarifying effectiveness, the lamp should be replaced periodically using a manufacturer-approved replacement bulb. During servicing, withdraw the unit head and quartz glass tube with extreme care, handling them gently because quartz glass and lamps are breakable and present injury risks from sharp edges upon fracturing; avoid any direct skin or eye exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Clean the unit as needed with clear water and a soft brush, and do not use cleaning agents or chemical solutions. OASE PumpClean is the manual recommendation for removing stubborn calcium deposits. Wipe the quartz tube with a damp cloth to restore surface cleanliness. Carefully inspect the sealing O-ring for wear, flattening, or damage, clean it, and replace a damaged O-ring before ensuring proper seating during reassembly. The power cable cannot be replaced; if the non-replaceable power cable is damaged, the relevant unit or component must be disposed of.

The OASE ClearTronic inline clarifiers offer several operational strengths: external installation keeps the aquarium interior free of equipment, the physical ultraviolet process introduces no chemical residues into the water column, and the safety interlock allows the lamp to operate only when the head is correctly fitted. Furthermore, beneficial bacteria attached to filter media and decor surfaces are not directly exposed within the housing flow. However, its functional boundaries must be clearly understood: the device acts strictly on waterborne algae-related turbidity, bacteria, and germs passing through it, and it does not physically remove ordinary suspended particles or mechanical debris from the water. It does not eliminate sessile algae attached to aquarium panes, stones, wood, or plant foliage, nor does it treat pathogens or parasites already settled in fish tissues or buried within the substrate. Consequently, an inline clarifier does not replace biological and mechanical filtration, regular partial water changes, quarantine procedures, proper disease diagnosis, or attentive aquarium husbandry, and it should never be assumed to make an aquarium sterile or immune to diseases.