Does uv bulb replacement brand matter?

[DarkTang]

I have an 80 watt emperor aquatics uv sterilizer that I need to replace with a new bulb. I found these for cheap on eBay. Is it worth it / trustworthy? It’s 2 for $78 vs 1 for $80 on Brs

 

[DarkTang]

Found this for $18... it says

 

[Gareth elliott]

Ime uv bulb coating fails before the bulb itself fails, regardless of source. Has been true with my uva bulbs or uvc for my pond. If i buy name brand or off ebay i get 2 seasons of effective life. Might just be my experience though.

 

[DarkTang]

Ime uv bulb coating fails before the bulb itself fails, regardless of source. Has been true with my uva bulbs or uvc for my pond. If i buy name brand or off ebay i get 2 seasons of effective life. Might just be my experience though.

How does the quartz costing fail for you?

 

[Gareth elliott]

How does the quartz costing fail for you?

Sorry was sleepy when i wrote that lol. combined several thoughts together. Coating applies to uva bulbs, ignore entirely.

A decrease in output efficiency occurs in the bulbs i use for in my pond.

 

[DarkTang]

Sorry was sleepy when i wrote that lol. combined several thoughts together. Coating applies to uva bulbs, ignore entirely.

A decrease in output efficiency occurs in the bulbs i use for in my pond.

Do you think $18 is worth it even if you have to buy 4 bulbs of $18 or one name brand bulb? I don’t mind replacing them at all it’s easy for me

 

[Gareth elliott]

I use the ebay bulbs.
I do always order extra and ahead of time though. Sometimes take forever to get here and the extra is in case one breaks along its travel. Never had this happen, but its a light bulb.

 

[mtraylor]

I find with just about any bulbs. You get what you pay for. Doesn't hurt to try and find a deal though.