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 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 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.

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 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.

I have this for just under a year, regular cleanings and all then yesterday, the pump went out at the propeller. It worked great last year...this year my pond is green again. It's not worth the money for a 1 year life. I looked at the sellers warranty because I was sure it had to have at the least a 1 year warranty, but no 30 days is all they give. I would buy direct and not through Amazon. Live and learn.

Seems like a great filter. My problem is my electricity goes off constantly. Then when it comes back on the pump won't start. I have to remove from pond, take apart and hit the pump with a rock till it starts again. Then try to get it all back together and back in the pond. So far I haven't been electrocuted, that is a plus. I would have given 5 stars but this has been this way since I first started using it. My 580 gallon pond is crystal clear though.