AquaUV fix

[Gowyn]

Hi all.

So Triton test came back with dangerous levels of Cadium. Traced the source to my UV sterilizer, an AquaUV Classic 114 with wipers. Bought this used and has been working great but when I opened it up the end of one of the wipers was totally rusted off. Source of Cadium.

No problem I'll remove the wipers and plug the holes. Here's the issue. AquaUV want $30 each for a nut to plug each hole. I just went to the hardware store and picked up a $3 nylon nut that fits perfectly.

So what I'm worried about is will the UVC break down the nylon nut or should I just not worry about it?

 

[dwest]

I thinks it’s cool that you found the source!

My aqua UV doesn’t have the wiper, but don’t think the wiper area gets exposed to direct uv rays does it? Either way, I would probably keep an eye on the area and do a more thorough inspection when the bulb is replaced. If the nylon is white, it likely can be damaged by UV from the quick reading I’ve done.

UV and its effect on plastics: an overview

When UV comes into contact with plastic, how will it affect your project?

www.essentracomponents.com

 

[Macdaddynick1]

If you’re worried about it, just buy a few of those screws and replace them every year or two, I don’t think it I’ll break it that fast. Also you can use some Teflon tape on it, that should give it a bit more time.

 

[Gowyn]

Yep she’s all snug with Teflon. They are white, I’ll keep an eye on them.

thanks

 

[Gowyn]

One benefit of the plug...

 

[dwest]

I guess that says UV is hitting it!

 

[Gowyn]

Lesson learned.

don‘t use a UV with wipers.

this is what I thought the cause was.

 

[Gowyn]

When actually this was probably the biggest cause.

 

[Entz]

Yeah I removed mine due to rusting. I happened super fast, few months at most

 

[Gowyn]

Dis you buy their $30 plug?

 

[Entz]

No, their prices are ridiculous. I ended up using my own plug -- In my case I couldn't find the right size locally so I printed a cap for the hex nut (with a shaft sticking out that fit in tightly) and JB welded it. Seems fine for now, but I would prefer something a bit more low profile.

What size/model/part# did you end up with? I may have to order some online.

 

[Gowyn]

No, their prices are ridiculous. I ended up using my own plug -- In my case I couldn't find the right size locally so I printed a cap for the hex nut (with a shaft sticking out that fit in tightly) and JB welded it. Seems fine for now, but I would prefer something a bit more low profile.

What size/model/part# did you end up with? I may have to order some online.

I was just going to use the original plug and fill the hole with some scs1200 silicone, except I couldn’t find my open tube....haha

Picked this up from TSC or stateside I think it’s called Tractor Supply Store. It’s a white nylon plug

 

[Entz]

Perfect, thank you. I was able to get someone to order that except brand/part#

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Hi guys,

I just bought one. My question isn’t about the specific topic, but I figured since everyone owns one.

Can I get a consensus on flow rate?

Thanks.

PS. When I was shopping mine, in the very bottom they have a disclaimer. I found it purely just by accident . You would think they would make this like the # 1 thing to mention since most of us using their product have it on reefs.

”Aqua Ultraviolet does not recommend utilizing Wipers with Salt Water and if utilized in this manner will void warranty on the Wiper parts”

 

[theMeat]

Crazy that it costs so much for a tube with a bulb in it. Then to have it nuke your tank.
Have been using Audysea uv for years with no issue, at a fraction the price

 

[Gowyn]

Hi guys,

I just bought one. My question isn’t about the specific topic, but I figured since everyone owns one.

Can I get a consensus on flow rate?

Thanks.

PS. When I was shopping mine, in the very bottom they have a disclaimer. I found it purely just by accident . You would think they would make this like the # 1 thing to mention since most of us using their product have it on reefs.

”Aqua Ultraviolet does not recommend utilizing Wipers with Salt Water and if utilized in this manner will void warranty on the Wiper parts”

Agreed

I found their recommended flow rates incredibly confusing

personally I’m running just a single 54w bulb with 2” plumbing at 600gph

my tanknis only 180 gallon total volume . For my size I should be running a 40 w but I got such a good deal on this one couldnt resist

according to AquaUV I should be running 3000gph. Crazy

Did a bunch of reading, results being 10-12 gph/watt
tank turnover of 2-3 times per hour

 

[Mastiffsrule]

It is so confusing with them. I’m trying to figure it out before I hook it up. I got a good deal on it or I would have gone pentair.

 

[bblumberg]

Not sure what the question is. AquaUV posts the flow rates that produce specific amounts of UV energy in the tank for fresh and salt water applications. If you want to kill bacterial and algae, the lower numbers are adequate. If you want to kill protozoans and parasites, the larger numbers are appropriate. Just under the graph, there is a specific recommendation for reef tanks of 30,000-45,000 microwatts/square cm...

https://aquaultraviolet.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/UV-Charts-Salt-and-Fresh-Water-Web.pdf

 

[KWolfe81]

One benefit of the plug...

Hey, sorry to dig up an old post. I'm about to plug up the hole on an Aqua UV w/ wiper and frankly, love the idea of the glowing nut. 2 years later - any issue with UV degradation?

 

[Malcontent]

Hey, sorry to dig up an old post. I'm about to plug up the hole on an Aqua UV w/ wiper and frankly, love the idea of the glowing nut. 2 years later - any issue with UV degradation?

I would try to use PVC whenever dealing with UV. I used nylon barbed adapters and they cracked after about a year. Nylon is one of the weaker plastics when it comes to UV.