HALF OFF PONDS Sting Ray 1200 All-in-One Submersible Biological and Mechanical Filter, 525 GPH Pump, 9-Watt UV Clarifier, and Fountain - SR1200

I bought this in desperation after struggling for two years with the pump I bought at my favorite fish store. I'm going to recommend that they replace the line they are carrying with this. First, I'm going to describe the headaches I had with my old pump: The popular brand that I had used reliably for years has gone downhill. I thought I just had a bad one and replaced it, but I've had the same issues with it stopping arbitrarily and being very, very difficult to restart. That pump also had to be attached to an external box filter, and the connection was often part of the problem). The box pump always wanted to float to the top of the pond, and when I weighted it down it would pull part of the impeller connection out of place and stop the water flow. The old pump also had to be connected to an external UV filter -- although that worked fine when the pump worked. I can't tell you how many weekends I ruined trying to fix pump problems. I finally had enough, searched for an alternative and found this. I am delighted with it, First, at 13 lbs, it's so heavy that it stays on the bottom of the pond without me having to weigh it down with rocks. It's all-in-one, so I don't have extra hoses and connections (other than the hose I keep attached to it to drain the pond for cleaning). It's no more difficult to clean than any other pump I've had and is easier than some. The biggest issue I've had , because of past algae build-up, is that the spray head clogs quickly. However the top of the head pops off so easily that I can clean it in a few seconds and pop it back on. After three weeks, I'm not entirely convinced that the UV light is pulling it's weight and I'm still using Algaefix to keep the green stuff down. But this is the most stress-free that the pond has been in two years.

So far, no problems. No instructions on the order of installation for the spray piping, but, after a little effort, it did fine. The spray does seem to automatically go from a short spray to a tall spray. I just adjusted the valve that sends some of the water out the side nozzle.

I love the job it does with the algae! It cleared my pond in about two days. First time I had seen the fish except at feeding time for weeks. However, latching the top to the bottom(main body) is not as secure as I would like it to be. The temptation is to pull the unit out by the pipe that sticks up out of the water. By trying to lift the unit by vertical pipe assembly allows the top to come loose from base, mesh filter floats out, and giant gobs of algae all goes back into the pond. Therefore it is necessary to pull unit to side of pond, reach under with both hands (arms now in water up to elbows) and haul it out of the pond by lifting from bottom. It is very heavy at this point. Perhaps it there were a handle?

I just received, and temporally installed the filter in my pond, so this review is very preliminary. I do look forward to seeing how the UV clarifier works, since right now my pond is an algal disaster, having had a non-working UV clarifier this season. I bought this unit because it is submersible and that the filter, pump, and UV clarifier are all integrated in a single unit. Also, the individual components (pump, UV bulb, etc) are presumably replaceable from the manufacturer. The device comes with an assortment of fountain heads, but none are ID'd as to their function, so you just have to try them out. It appears that all of the options can only be attached to a long adjustable pipe that includes a diverter valve for connecting to a water feature such as a waterfall. Supposedly, one can remove the diverter valve assembly, but so far, I haven't figured out how without losing the connection to the fountain spray parts. I want to be able to hook up to a water feature that I designed and built several years ago--it does appear that I can do this, but I may have to do some significant reconfiguring with parts I already own from the previous pump. One complaint I have is that the electrical supply to the UV clarifier uses a transformer that is supposed to be plugged directly into a GFI-equipped outdoor-rated receptacle. Unfortunately, because of the way the electrical line exits the transformer, it doesn't fit in my current outdoor fixture. I could use a short extension cable, but then the transformer will be outside of the receptacle box and exposed to the elements. I need to seek out a better solution. The pump is connected via a separate cable and standard 3-prong plug, so is not an issue in plugging into the outdoor receptacle. I'll try to issue a revised review once I can figure out these issues (or not). Update: I modified the outdoor recptacle box by cutting away enough plastic with a Dremel to get the transformer to fit. I did have to retrieve parts from my old setup to be able to connect to my existing water feature. And after about 3 days, the algae cleared up enough that I can see to the bottom of the pool--and my fish! Now, I can keep an eye out for the nasty little snakes that sometimes show up looking for snacks. 2 Year Update: It appears to be time to replace the lamp, as algae has come back with a vengeance. Also, as others have reported, the cover is difficult to snap in place. Finally, if the power goes out, the pump doesn't restart by itself most of the time. I have to remove the connection to the water feature and then stick a long sskinny screwdriver into the outlet to spin the pump impeller. With luck, it starts easily, but then I have to hook everything up with the water splashing--a real pain. I'd really like to see someone come up with a better engineered submersible clarifier and pump combo--I haven't found anything better on the market, yet.

This unit is kinda good as long as you keep it clean and your UV light is working. After about 2 years both my lights went out called half off pond to get a UV bulbs . It's $38.00 plus shipping of $10.00 . They said only this bulb would work no so got UV bulbs from home Depot for only $10.00. Than I ordered more here in Amazon 2 pack for $13.00 free shipping and I put them in and there working great water is clearing up . So today August 30 2023 Wednesday I sent back the 3 UV lights bulbs that I ordered but cancel it just one hour after a ordered it. They wanted $38.00 a bulb but did bring it down to $23.00 a bulb paid $75.00 for 3 UV bulbs . $38.00 a bulb but the unit was $99.00 wow bulbs is almost half the cost of the pump . Wish this company would have just sold the bulb cheeper it's just a G23 base that fits in many pumps amazon sells in here . Would I buy this pump again after buying 3 I 2 years NO because of over price replacement prices.theres pumps just like this one and cheeper. Hope you buy from a other buyer that is fair

UPDATE: Had to call the company as the pump would not come back on if power lost to it within weeks of purchasing. I had to trip the little wheel in the pump each time. I asked for just the pump but they sent me the whole thing brand new. They did request the older one back but I continue to have issues printing their return label. ***The only reason for 3 stars as this is the third one I have had to buy. The pump only lasts about 3+ years. But because it is all contained and easy to install is the reason I have to continue buying a replacement. Otherwise it works fantastic when it does work. I have taken it out of the pond during the winter also each year. I will check next time the pump stops and see if I can just purchase that in the future.

This pump is a replacement for the one I previously owned that finally gave out after 10 years. These pumps are amazing the keep the water crystal clear because of the filtration system and UV light. My dogs cats and other critters drink out if the pond all the time. I never worry because it keeps the water so clear.

I LOVE this product and the manufacturers! I have a large but shallow pond that is ALWAYS cloudy no matter the chemicals I used, but it got even worse when I put in a bog area for plants. From then on, it was so cloudy that I could barely see the fish, even when they were at the surface eating. I got this product and within about a week, it had cleared up perfectly. A week ago, the pump broke on me after I cleaned out the filter. I called the manufacturer, and they told me how to get a new pump for this product. Within an hour of telling them my problem, they emailed me back with the tracking number for the new pump. I just put it in and it was super simple to install. I'm very, very happy with this product/company!