Best affordable UV Sterilizer

[kiMxD]

All but goodness my man... OK Back on topic.

I am not UV expert, so take this with a grain of salt. I am even taking it with a grain of salt myself.

I saw the Vecton light that was posted earlier, and it said it was a 25 watt UV rated for ponds up to 4800g. Now another brand 25 watt UV light is rated for 130g max. So I ask myself, who do I believe?


Pentair Aquatics
SMART UV 25 WATT
Specifications:
Max Aquarium Size: 130 Gallons

TMC Pond Advantage UV-25
Rated for ponds UP TO 4800 Gallons

But apparently, the same UV can be used for a much larger pond than it can for an aquarium... I guess that's were the difference lies... Correct me if I am wrong UV experts, please.

 

[kiMxD]

Depends on what your trying to do. Parasite control for your size tank, it's not going to be cheap, no where around $100. Water clarity can be done around $100.

I wanted a bit of both... Nothing fancy...

 

[kiMxD]

I wanted a bit of both... Nothing fancy...

I guess the UV I posted above, 25watts should do, no?

 

[Silent]

Even the very same uv on the same tank will have different flow rates for different purposes. Trust wattage and flow rates from reputable aquarium uv manufacturers.

 

[dank reefer]

But apparently, the same UV can be used for a much larger pond than it can for an aquarium

But that's what I don't get. They are both 25 watt bulbs that sit inside of a plastic housing.

I personally have the pentair 25 watt and ran it on my tank until recently and it did a great job.

 

[dank reefer]

This guy is selling one on here

California - Updated dry goods list pics heavy, long list.

Let me know if you have any questions, will update as things are sold. Brand new Hydor Seltz 750 pump-$90 shipped Brand new IM hydrofil ATO package-$100 shipped Brand new Neptune leak detection kit- $110 shipped Brand new IM fusion 20 PRO tank-$200 (local pick only) Brand new JBJ...

www.reef2reef.com

Brand new Aqua UV 57 watt-$390 shipped

 

[Flippers4pups]

Another factor would be replacement bulbs, replacement ballasts for any unit you choose. Their availability and cost. Well known manufacturers have them available everywhere. Lessor known, cheaper units availability on replacement parts may be difficult and or harder to get.

As with anything in the hobby, patience and if necessary, saving up for better quality can be well worth the wait.

 

[CpeshalElimpix]

I found that the most budget friendly UV for me was a Lifegard aquatics 90 watt and have been really happy with it. I think I paid about 400 for it and was more reasonable than the other brands that were charging double the price. I have read a few threads here saying to stay away from the Jebaos because they are not meant for salt water and will leech the plastic into your water.

 

[lapin]

Read this before buying one.

UVC Sterilization | How Aquarium & Pond UV Sterilizers Work

Information how a TRUE Aquarium, Pond UV Sterilizer/clarifier work. Category A, B, & C Sterilizers. Affect on green water, disease prevention, & Redox

americanaquariumproducts.com

"I want a bit of both" You can get total clarity and a little of parasite control. But not the other way around.

 

[joseph scott]

Look at lifeguard I’m using the 55 watt one for dinoflagellates in my 75 gallon tank. I had a horrible dinoflagellate problem. Every Dino is gone within 4 days! Tank looks better than it ever has. I probably will only run it at night in the future because it does raise my water temp a couple of degrees.

 

[ca1ore]

But that's what I don't get. They are both 25 watt bulbs that sit inside of a plastic housing.

Not all UV bulbs are created equally. Even if they were, the goal for the UV will dictate its usage. 99% of pond owners are going to use one for clarification which means much higher flow and larger volume of water. Aquarium owners may use one for clarification, in which case the same capacity applies; or they may use it for sterilization that requires much slower flow and will 'treat' a much smaller volume of water.

 

[BurgerFish]

To kill the parasites UV require dose of 90,000.

Aqua UV recommends to use in reef aquarium 30,000-45,000, higher dose will destroy the coral's planktonic food.

So, AA Green Machine 24W won't kill the parasites, but it's OK in the reef tank. It kills the dinos, cyano, bacteria and algaes.

Aqua UV 15W require 500-700GPH for 30,000-45,000. It's pretty high flow and needs a big pump.

 

[Sashaka]

Check out these guys. Generally good quality without the crazy pricing …..

TMC Premium UV Sterilizers; Only USA Authorized Seller

We carry the highest grade professional UV sterilizers. TMC Vecton, Titan, Advantage Pond/Aquarium, UV Sterilizer | Category A . Along with internal UV pump Filter

www.americanaquariumproducts.com

Not $100 though.

@ca1ore Do you have one of these models? Does anyone?

I know the best brands are out of my budget, so I am considering buying one of the AAP units but the vendor is recommending two back to back Vecton-6: V2 600 25 Watt -$195.99 for my 180 gal system. That's about $400. plus the need to buy two replacement bulbs instead of one about every 6 months. He says the foot print is smaller but I don't think so if I need to buy two. I also asked the vendor half a dozen questions, but only got a few answers. As a second choice the vendor recommended the TMC Pro Clear Ultima 55- 55 Watt Professional Pond UV Clarifier & Sterilizer - $295.99 . He said the two Vecton 6 would be better because they were specifically designed for aquarium use. I guess AAP just doesn't offer a level two sterilization UV for for an aquarium my size. So, I'm still undecided and could use some feedback about these models. I'd like to make a decision by the end of this week or beginning of next week, so anyone out there using these units or another make of pond sterilizer they believe holds up to saltwater well, let me know! Thanks!

 

[Silent]

Best to spend the money on a good proven unit. UV either works or it doesn't. Not like a return pump where 900gph will work but 1000gph would be better.

 

[Sashaka]

Best to spend the money on a good proven unit. UV either works or it doesn't. Not like a return pump where 900gph will work but 1000gph would be better.

Thanks, Silent. Problem is... If I had the money, I would certainly jump all over that advice.
I just don't have $800 to $1000. dollars to blow on one right now, and it looks like I won't have that kind of money for a long time with the way things are breaking down here. This past week it was the dryer that bit the dust!

While I know there are all kinds of budgets for this hobby, my choices are simple at this time. Buy a cheaper model or don't get one at all. I guess you're saying don't bother buying these units as they won't work.

 

[Silent]

Dont waste your money. Save and get a good one. Good units are more like 500 not 1000. You can get good deals on used ones and buy a new bulb.

 

[BurgerFish]

Cheap and easy AA Green 24W control bacteria, algae and dinos.

Good unit like AquaUV control parasites with 90,000 µw/cm² , but the manufactor doesn't recommend that level for a reef:
Reef Tanks -A UV rated in the 30,000-45,000 columns is ideal for the reef environment .UV’s rated at higher kill rates will destroy the planktonic food supply for the reef.

So, the good units can be meanless for a reef tank.

 

[Jaebster]

I agree with you. Most of my equipment is good stuff (like DOS, Trident, Apex, MP40's, Gyres, etc...) BUT, I am going to do a test run with UV, that's why I wanted to spend less, if I like, Id consider going to the bigger/better brands...

What did you want to do a test run for? Algae/bacteria? Parasites? Often times, a UV will not "resolve" a problem. It is more of a preventive type of equipment. Some people say that they swear by their UV.... and they never had a "outbreak"... so did it really work? I'm a UV advocate... just letting you know both sides especially since you wanted it for a test run. Also for your size tank, like others said, a quality UV is needed with the proper wattage and flow for whatever your "test" will be for.

 

[jsvand5]

TMC 110 is the best reasonably priced option IMO. I have one on my 210g and it works great.