Ultramins

"At Wijnen Square Crops, the quality of our irrigation water is one of our spearheads in our policy. Hence, we don't take any chances when we make adjustments to our water system.

Ultramins came our way because we have two large pools of 13,000m2 and 15,000m2 respectively and where we were struggling to get and keep them free of algae and biofilm.

The technology deployed by Ultramins to combat it, cavitating ultrasound waves, was new to us and its operation unknown. We were therefore somewhat hesitant, but based on good experiences from other growers, we started with 4 USAF™ transmitters in the largest basin. After some time, we saw insufficient effect and followed Ultramins's original advice and increased the number of transmitters to 8.

The other basin we continued to treat as we always did, costing man hours and resources. The difference between the basins was growing. In the basin where the transmitters were, we saw that the algae disappeared quickly, the bioflim also reduced significantly and have no doubt that it will also disappear completely. With that, it was clear to us that the transmitters were working well.

It saves us a lot of time in terms of treatment and control of the water, as we now no longer have to worry about it. Besides the one-off investment and (low) energy consumption, there are no further maintenance costs.

With this, this system meets our high standards and we recommend other growers to also have Ultramins take a look at their situation. They think along well and professionally!"

Koen Saris - Wijnen Square Crops - sweet pepper/cucumber - Harvest House - Grubbenvorst - The Netherlands

"There is no doubt in my mind that this system from USAF™ works to eliminate ToBRFV and other micro-organisms in the drain and watering water. In addition, this system has major advantages over UV systems or a gas-based disinfector. This ultrasonic system does not require any maintenance and monitoring is also not necessary."

"Over a longer period of time, we did several tests and had leaf samples from these tests evaluated using PCR tests. The PCR results confirmed the image that the plants showed, as they were always happy. The plants that were given untreated virus water showed virus images within 2-8 weeks and became progressively weaker. It is important to mention that no grower will ever be able to get this virus ratio in his cultivation water, which makes the results obtained even more special."

Read the full study here:

ProeftuinRonPeters_USAF_ToBRFV_testing_NL

RonPeters_USAF_ToBRFV_testing_ENG

Proeftuin Ron Peters - Tomatoes - The first virus fighting company

We have been doing business with Ultramins and Robert for about 3 years now. Being very skeptical in the beginning we only started treating our pond of 2.200m2. 

 

Our pond is a natural pond, so has no liner, therefor the water here has a lot of ‘clay dust’ making it very cloudy. This was an issue for us as we couldn’t have our cloudy water being treated by an UV-system, this simply will not work. All algae where eliminated in a relative short period, in about 3 weeks.

(Photo left before installation, right and above after installation)

So, after seeing good results in the pond by using 2 USAF™ DT 100 watt transmitters, we decided to also treat our 2 silo’s with ultrasonic transmitters and we don’t regret this decision one bit. We placed 1 transmitter in our leach tank to make sure biofilm doesn’t grow and we placed 5 units in our stock water tank + adding H2O2 . This stock water tank is being filled with treated pond and leach water. Both silos are 400m3. 

 

(nice root cover)

 

Our annual usage of H2O2 has dropped by 20-25% and the water is constantly of good quality, without any maintenance or monitoring. Our stock tank fills up in the night, the water gets treated during the whole night combined with H2O2 and the next day this water goes to the plants. We can honestly say we have not one issue in our irrigation water since, it’s probably hard to believe for people who haven’t used this system before, as it was for me. This system saves me a lot of time, as you know the water is always of good quality. System was easy to put in place, without having to make any changes to our irrigation system, so far I have not seen any negative side to its use.

This system saves me a lot of time because I know the water is always of good quality. The system was easy to install, without us having to make any changes to our irrigation system. So far, I have not seen any negative side to using it.

 

Also, I can recommend Ultramins as a company, it has been good and reliable doing business with them.

Florian Locher - Fresh Venture Farms - Peppers - Canada

As a chicory grower with an eye on sustainability and the future, I got in touch with Ultramins. I was curious whether they could also help me with their transmitters to control/prevent phytoftora, a common problem in chicory growing. At the moment, I still use Pergado as an additive to the water which in itself is adequate, but in time I want to minimise or stop using it. Also, legislation may be tightened further, so I thought it would be wise to look at an alternative now.

On the advice of Ultramins, we placed a USAF ST60 transmitter in the basin near the tow cell, which is about 2m3 in size. For the first 3 weeks, we still used 50% per cent Pergado. At harvest, there were no traces of phytoftora on the roots, the water was also clean. In the next crop, we used the channel again for three weeks, but without adding Pergado. This was very exciting, as we would never normally do this, especially with a pull-cell filled to the brim. Because the first 'round' had gone well, we dared to do it anyway.

But again, the result was excellent!

So the USAF™ transmitter certainly did its job without us having to worry about it. So it can be a very good and especially sustainable alternative to other means. That makes me feel good as a grower!

Finally, I would like to note that I really like the cooperation and thinking of Ultramins.

Gerwin de Vries - Witloof nursery LOF - Witloof - Espel - Netherlands

We are proud to be the largest tomato grower in Finland and are continuously innovating our cultivation process. One of our focal points is creating clean and sustainable irrigation water. Due to large amounts of algae in our basins, we had many problems with clogged filters. A problem that continuously costs a lot of time and therefore money to solve.

After installing the USAF™ Ultrasonic emitters against algae, biofilm, fungi and viruses, we see a huge difference in algae in the basin water and have no more algae nuisance in the filters.

We are therefore very satisfied and no longer have to worry about both the basin water and the filters. The water now also goes into the silos cleaner, which brings benefits there too. When frost sets in, we move the emitters into one of our indoor silos. The emitters weigh only 7 kg and are therefore easy to move.

There, we can also directly see well what the effect will be on eliminating pathogens, viruses and the biofilm. Given the good results in the basin, we are confident of this! Conclusion: we are happy to have opted for the solution offered by Ultramins.

Patrik Sigg - Sven Sigg - Tomatoes - Närpes, Finland

We have an uncovered 1,000m3 silo at one of our sites, outside which we fill with ditch and rainwater. This silo had many problems with algae growth and also several pathogens were present, including to a high extent Pythium and also Phytophthora. Due to the many algae, we often had to clean the filters, which cost us a lot of time.

After hearing very good stories from a well-known grower who had been working with Ultramins for some time, we also took the plunge and were quickly positively surprised. Because apart from the fact that the algae growth and biofilm had quickly disappeared from the silo, we noted during a measurement that the fungus pressure was also greatly reduced, more than 95% had disappeared in 2 weeks and that with only 1 USAF ultrasonic transmitter.

We therefore bought a second transmitter for in one of our indoor silos quite quickly and this certainly won't be the last transmitter we order. Because the results are excellent and the convenience of using these transmitters saves us a lot of time, money saved on other resources. In addition, it saves considerable man hours and simply a lot of hassle.

 

Robin van Dijk - The Mastergrowers - Plants - Netherlands

"After placing the USAF™ ultrasonic transmitters in our basins, silos and day stocks, we noticed significant differences. The first 2 weeks there was a little more pollution because the transmitters were cleaning up the algae and biofilm. Within 4 weeks, we could see that the water was much clearer and the biofilm and algae had disappeared. The water became much more transparent and cleaner everywhere, the measured values of our Vialux even doubled. Two dangerous fungi were found in the basins, which appeared to be no longer vital after plating at Eurofins.

So this system works very well and transmitters indeed do not need any maintenance or monitoring. As far as we are concerned, the USAF™ ultrasonic ToBRFV tests by Proeftuin Ron Peters also spoke volumes. Placement of the transmitters is child's play and no adjustments have to be made to the existing water system. The communication with Ultramins B.V. went smoothly and all agreements were met. We can really recommend this to every grower.

Jan and Frans Zeinstra - Greenhouse Dili BV & Dili Crop BV - Tomatoes - Berlikum - Netherlands

"At AGL we placed Ultramins USAF™ ultrasonic transmitters in our silos with a diameter of 33 metres, we noticed after 14 days that the biofilm and algae started to disappear. After 4 weeks the water was clean and clear. The ultrasonic units work 24/7 and disinfect our water at low operating costs. Working with Ultramins was excellent. Robert is honest, knowledgeable and he delivered as agreed. USAF™ ultrasonic units work so well, we have just placed another order for more units for our silos at our other locations."

Len Vander Lugt, CEO - Aldershot Greenhouses - Plants - Canada

USAF™ ultrasonic transmitters our only disinfection method

"After 21 years, we finally had no algae and biofilm and for many years, no agrobacteria have been detected in our pouring water. We use no other disinfection methods, so all these results can be attributed 1 to 1 to the USAFTM ultrasonic transmitters. These transmitters require no maintenance and monitoring and work 24/7 365 days a year, so ideal because it saves a lot of time and the results are very good, monitoring by a renowned laboratory confirms this. Also, the fact that very good results have been achieved with this solution in combating the ToBRFV virus reassure me greatly."

So our basin water has become much cleaner and so there is no more algae growing, truly unprecedented. The biofilm present in our silos and basin also disappeared quickly. The water from our mixing tank even became crystal clear. Our filters remain much cleaner and so there is also no water pressure loss at the back of our greenhouse, saving us considerable time on a daily basis, especially in summer. In addition, the USA™ ultrasonic transmitters consume almost no electricity, in these times also a big plus."

We are very satisfied and convinced of the performance of these transmitters. Can recommend every grower to install these USAF™ transmitters."

 

Frank Dekker - Dekker Glascultures - Tomatoes - Prominent - Netherlands

 

“Only when the transmitter was off did we see that it does an excellent job. We were sceptical when we bought the USAF basin transmitter. We only saw how well it was doing its job after we found out after 3 weeks that we had cut the power cable while cutting the grass, the basin then looked green with algae. After we switched the unit back on, this was quickly restored. The transmitter keeps the basin clear, clean and free of algae. The biofilm in our basin is now very neat. A simple bottle test shows how clear the water is. But we only really noticed it at the atomiser, no more blockages. It really saves a lot of time and effort!”

 

Ron de Bakker - Laguna Plants - Plants - Wateringen - Netherlands

"In the 8 years that we have been using these transmitters, we have had clear, clean basin water and never any clogged filters.

The pool is free from biofilm and the water is always clear and clean. We are very satisfied with the performance of the ultrasonic transmitters in our basin. (ca. 2,400m2)".

Simon Zwarts - Zwarts Gerberas - Flowers - Mijdrecht - Netherlands

We were on time with the installation of the USAF ultrasonic transmitters and even after very hot summer days we hardly have any algae in the pool. (3,000m2) The algae that are present are also all effectively killed. The service from Ultramins was excellent and reliable.

 

Alex Vellekoop - Duynplant - Plants - De Lier - Netherlands

"A true addition for every grower

I use the USAF™ ultrasonic transmitters in our ponds and my dirty water drain. I notice considerable differences, the water is really much cleaner and more transparent because of these transmitters. As a result, the water pressure in the pipes is higher and our ponds are cleaner and stay clean, no more algae problems.

Especially with summer arriving, this is reassuring and you can water more often.

No adjustments are required to put these transmitters into operation, but the differences are quickly visible and obvious. The transmitters require no maintenance and therefore save a grower valuable time. The service from and communication with Ultramins is fast and good.

Furthermore, the guarantee, not good, money back, can be taken off, it just works

Paul van Paassen - Tomato nursery P.J.M. van Paassen - Tomatoes - Bleiswijk - The Netherlands

‘We purchased multiple USAF™ units to keep a pond of 8.000m2 free from algae and biofilm. The installation was indeed as promised very simple. The algae and biofilm were gone within 3-6 weeks. We were so happy with these units that we just purchased more units to keep our other pond of 10.000m2 free from algae and biofilm. Delivery and service are just fine.’

 

 

Mindaugas Krasauskas - Nordic Greens & Katrine & Alfreds - Tomatoes -Trelleborg - Sweden

I walk past the silos from time to time to hear and check if everything is still working and that is really the only work we have on it. After installing the USAF™ ultrasonic transmitters, our water has greatly improved, it is much cleaner and also clearer. Cucumber fur virus pressure is negligible compared to previous years, only a few plants we removed this year. Once you have the virus, it is difficult to get rid of it completely. However, with certainty we dare say that it is virus is now no longer spreading via the (drain) water in the greenhouse, which is of course a great reassurance. The basin water is also better; it also no longer contains algae and biofilm. The low power consumption of the transmitters is also a very big plus in these times.

The USAF™ ultrasonic transmitters are really a great asset and time saver for us.

Peter Bergsma - Drenthe Growers - Cucumbers - Oxin Growers - Erica

'We have been using this system from Ultramins since February 2022. The USAF™ ultrasonic units removed our algae and biofilm in all our rainwater and drain silos within 1 month, the water has been much clearer since then.

We also know that cucumber fur virus (CGMMV) is no longer spread by our recirculated water as it normally is. We still had some virus, but it remained very localised while all our plants got their water from the same source.

Other positives are that this system is maintenance-free and consumes little power.'

Thomas Höfler - Höfler Gemüsebau - Nürnberg, Germany

"We are the proud owners of a beautiful 400 m2 pond inhabited by about 50-60 exquisite koi and grass carp. Unfortunately, the pond was plagued by the presence of blue-green algae, a type of cyanobacteria, which, despite our efforts, only got worse over time. Despite our efforts to solve the problem, including the installation of a UV lamp and a non-USAF™ ultrasonic device, the problem persisted, causing our beloved fish to suffer and even die.

Fortunately, our problems were solved after we purchased an ultrasonic transmitter from Ultramins. Remarkably, the blue-green algae completely disappeared within just 14 days of installation. Moreover, to our surprise, many of the fish polyps also disappeared. We later discovered that this was due to the USAF™ ultrasonic transmitter's ability to eliminate parasites present in our pond. Based on our experience, we highly recommend the use of this transmitter in larger koi ponds to ensure the health and well-being of the fish."

 

Patrick Avontuur - Avontuur Blanchère NL - Carp - Koi fish pond - Netherlands

"We had a lot of algae problems in 2 of our basins, after Ultramins visited us we decided to purchase the USAF™ ultrasonic transmitters.

On both basins we had a deck sill but still there was way too much algae. So when we installed the ultrasonic transmitters, we immediately decided to remove the cover sails from the basins, obviously we found this exciting, but Ultramins promised us it would be fine.

After a few months, we are very convinced of how well the transmitters are working and we no longer have any nuisance from algae, although there is still some filamentous algae present but then this was still there from the beginning and we were also advised to remove it, only we haven't found the time to do so yet. So at the moment we are very happy with our clean basin."

Piero Vandeputte - Vandeputte Belgium - Plants - Belgium

We have been growing our hot peppers for many years and also, of course, use rainwater from our basin for this and had a lot of problems with algae here.

After reading all the reviews we decided to place 2 USAF™ cavitating Ultrasonic transmitters in one of the 2 basins, in consultation with Ultramins we looked at where we could best do this and carried it out that way. Without paying any further attention to the basin, we saw a big difference after just a few weeks and then immediately decided to place 2 of these transmitters at our other location as well.

No more nuisance from algae last summer and the entire biofilm has disappeared in both basins. Very satisfied with how these transmitters work, very good results without any effort.

Joost Luijk - Hot Pepper King - Peppers - Netherlands

Our neighbours had been using Ultramins's USAF transmitters for some time and saw positive results from using them. That made us curious too, but we were still holding back because we don't take any chances. Ultramins approached us, as co-owners of Gietwater Berlikum where we and three other horticulturists use a 13,500m2 basin, to also equip it with the transmitters.

This was therefore decided and additionally we ordered for our own company at that time. Initially only for the rainwater basins, but after the transmitters were delivered, we also placed a number of them in the daily supply silo. We work with a low dose of hydrogen peroxide up to (10 ppm) which was unmeasurable for 2-3 weeks. Ultramins explained that this was because the transmitter combined with the H2O2 was breaking down the biofilm and this proved to be true. The quality of the pouring water now looks good and in terms of hydrogen peroxide, we are now measuring 5-10 ppm again. We are impressed with the results so far. We have therefore bought two more transmitters to make sure the basins are also ready for the algae season. For us, the transmitters also contribute to making the cultivation process more sustainable, which is also an important argument for us.

 

Theo van der Kaaij - Kaaij Nursery - Vine tomatoes - Berlikum - Netherlands