Understanding the Impact of Water Clarity on Underwater Fish Lights in Southwest Florida

At Underwater Fish Light, we prioritize transparency with our customers. Today, we want to address an important issue that often affects the performance of our lights: water clarity. This is especially relevant if you live near major rivers in Southwest Florida. Between June and October each year, the waterways in our region frequently become darker and more tannic due to heavy rainfall. While this change might not be immediately noticeable from the surface, it significantly impacts the performance of our lights.

Seasonal Water Clarity Changes

From June through October, Southwest Florida experiences its rainy season. About 60% of our average annual rainfall is received during that time. The heavy rainfall during these months saturates upstream estuaries and wetlands, carrying sediment and organic matter downstream into our local waters. This sediment reduces water clarity, causing our underwater fish lights to appear unusually dim. Many customers contact us during this period, concerned that their lights seem more like a faint candle underwater. Inspections consistently reveal that this issue is due to decreased water clarity rather than any fault in the light systems themselves.

The Science Behind the Dim Light

The seasonal rains introduce a high level of sediment and organic material into the water. These microscopic particles become highly visible when our fish lights are in use, blocking light from reaching the surface and drastically reducing the brightness of our lights. The difference in water clarity between April and July is stark, as illustrated by images taken from the same location just months apart.

The root cause of this reduced brightness is straightforward: the sediment particles suspended in the water block the light, making it appear dimmer. Our Natural Green bulbs, which are designed to reflect off natural particles and microorganisms in the water, may even take on an orange hue in heavily sedimented conditions.

Rivers Most Affected

Residents along rivers like the Caloosahatchee, Myakka, Brandon, Manatee, and Peace Rivers are likely familiar with these effects if they own our fish lights. These rivers are particularly susceptible to the impacts of sediment-laden water during the rainy season. Unfortunately, until the water clears later in the summer, there are limited remedies to fully mitigate this issue.

Temporary Solutions

While the effects of seasonal rains on water clarity are largely unavoidable, there are a few steps you can take to potentially improve the performance of your fish lights temporarily:

• Adjust the Light’s Depth: Sometimes, moving the light to a different depth can help reduce the impact of sediment and improve visibility. It’s important to remember not to put your bulb too close to the surface if it is in a high boat traffic zone, as this could lead to it being broken by vessels passing through.
• Clean the Bulb: Regularly cleaning the bulb can help maintain optimal performance, although it won’t completely counteract the effects of poor water clarity. As always, we implore you to unplug your system beforehand, and carefully retrieve your bulb, ensuring you do not drop or damage it while cleaning.

Comparing Light Systems

Customers often express concerns when their lights seem dimmer compared to their neighbors’ lights. This difference can be attributed to several factors, including the depth at which the lights are deployed and the wattage of the systems. We offer both 175-watt and 250-watt systems, with the latter being significantly brighter. Understanding these differences can help manage expectations regarding light performance during the rainy season.

Inspection and Assistance

If you suspect a problem with your system, we offer a thorough inspection service for $35. Our technicians can assess your system to ensure everything is functioning correctly and determine whether the low light output is due to water clarity or a system defect. This evaluation can provide peace of mind and clarity on the issue affecting your fish lights. Please call us at 941-391-5846 for more details, and to ensure you are within our service area.

Commitment to Customer Support

At Underwater Fish Light, we believe in keeping our customers informed about factors that can affect the performance of our products. The seasonal changes in water clarity in Southwest Florida are a natural occurrence that temporarily impacts the brightness of our fish lights. By understanding these changes and taking a few proactive steps, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of our lights even during the rainy season. Thank you for your understanding and patience, and we look forward to assisting you with any concerns or questions you may have. If you have questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 941-391-5846 to speak with a member of our team. We are committed to providing the best possible service and helping you understand the seasonal factors affecting our products.