Cheaper UV sterilizer?
- Thread starter gabesreef
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gabesreef
Active Member
Yeah that’s what I was thinking as well. I mean it’s literally just a light bulb with a water tight protective shield haha I’m going to do the Jebao but I’m a little concerned with the black film that builds up inside
stanlalee
Active Member
Stop looking at saltwater/reef UV sterilizers and start looking at pond UVs. Just go by wattage and not gallons because in the pond world a 12 watt UV is good for about 8 million gallons. The cheaper designs won't typically last as long (the housings/fittings aren't built as robust but they work just the same at UV zapping.
Grill
Active Member
What size tank are you looking for? There are expensive models... Pentair which BRS pushes... Jeabo on Amazon which is cheaper but not the best reviews. IMO Lifegard Aquatics from marineandreef.com has the best bang for the buck. (no tax and 5% off coupon now) You can mount them any direction, vertical or horizontal. The input and outputs are can be positioned in multiple directions which is a HUGE plus when installing and they come with mounting hardware. Hope this helps.
ShepherdReefer
5000 Club Member
We have a Jebao 36w and no problems yet.
Devaji
7500 Club Member
I believe the cheaper units dont use UV proof PVC. in other words the PVC breaks done due to the UV and gets in the tank. for those of you that have the jebao after a few months of running slow the flow down then turn it off to clean it and see if there is black film or bits when you wipe the inside.
I was gonna get a 55W jebao they changed my mind and got a pentair, yeah pricey for sure right.
was gonna DIY one ,like said there pretty simple but look up the price of UV PVC.
I was gonna get a 55W jebao they changed my mind and got a pentair, yeah pricey for sure right.
was gonna DIY one ,like said there pretty simple but look up the price of UV PVC.
Hop2jr
Active Member
It is the quartz tube that the bulb is inserted into is the most expensive part of the uv light and can chip or break very easily. It also protects the bulb from the water and is crystal clear.
joseserrano
2500 Club Member
The cheap units are know to melt over time.
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gabesreef
Active Member
I went ahead with the Jebao 36w I have a 93g system so it should be plenty strong. I am concerned with the longevity but for the price of the more expensive ones I could buy 4-5 Jebao’s haha. I think I’ll rise/wipe it down every 2 months in order to keep an eye on that black residue.
homer1475
Figuring out the hobby one coral at a time.
Been running my jebao pond UV for a couple months now. I take it out and wipe out the inside every week during my weekly WC's.
I have not seen any of the black/brown residue off mine, yet. But for the price, if it does happen, I can replace it 5 times over for the price of the more expensive units.
I have not seen any of the black/brown residue off mine, yet. But for the price, if it does happen, I can replace it 5 times over for the price of the more expensive units.
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gabesreef
Active Member
Okay that’s reassuring! I’ll probably wipe it down with my weekly WC as well. Yeah that was exactly what I was thinking if it does fail it’s not very expensive. Also how much flow do you run through yours?
saltwaterpicaso
Valuable Member
i have both the jebao 35 and 55 they work great the 35 is 5 years old now once the bulbs needed replacing i bought name brand bulbs i think phillips and i cannot tell the difference between the 2. the quartz is very thick and way better than the aqua uv i had that quartz was so brittle. i would not recoment the higher priced units i just dont see a difference having ran both
