Help finding a UV sterilizer
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Aardvark1134
Well-Known Member
One of these should be big enough for you
https://www.fishtanksdirect.com/lifegard-pro-max-5--body-90w-amalgam-high-output-uv-sterilizer.aspx
https://www.fishtanksdirect.com/lifegard-pro-max-3--body-55w-amalgam-high-output-uv-sterilizer.aspx
Note for sterilization you run at 1/6 the the max flow rate
https://www.fishtanksdirect.com/lifegard-pro-max-5--body-90w-amalgam-high-output-uv-sterilizer.aspx
https://www.fishtanksdirect.com/lifegard-pro-max-3--body-55w-amalgam-high-output-uv-sterilizer.aspx
Note for sterilization you run at 1/6 the the max flow rate
Aardvark1134
Well-Known Member
Big ones are not cheap. I don't think you will find one for almost 300 gallons of system volume for under the $263 of that 55W one. You might be able to find a Chinese knockoff one.
looks like I need to save some money [emoji24] lol. Had a feeling that would be the case you get what you pay for and all that.
Don't really want the cheap Chinese ones. You only end up spending double in the long run as they don't last.
Thanks for your help and advise. Much appreciated.
o2manyfish
Valuable Member
Look for one made for a Koi Pond -- Might be cheaper -- Most of the companies make them for both. The Koi Pond ones are going to have 2" plumbing in/out so you might need a reducer.
You want lots of contact time - So super slow flow. For my 1100g system I ran a dual chamber 80w for 15 years. I switched to a 4x40w and haven't seen a difference. It's all about keeping the flow slow.
There isn't anything that wears on a UV other than bulbs and ballast - So find an ugly used one and get a new bulb (or 2) and get the protection while staying in your budget.
Dave B
You want lots of contact time - So super slow flow. For my 1100g system I ran a dual chamber 80w for 15 years. I switched to a 4x40w and haven't seen a difference. It's all about keeping the flow slow.
There isn't anything that wears on a UV other than bulbs and ballast - So find an ugly used one and get a new bulb (or 2) and get the protection while staying in your budget.
Dave B
Hey Dave b thanks for your help. That's not a bad idea, wasn't sure I could use a pond 1 for an aquarium. I will have a look. Other than that second hand might be they way to go. If i were to use 2 uvs would I have to run them in line with each other or could i run them separately?
o2manyfish
Valuable Member
It's just a matter of contact time - Whether in line, in parrallel, or on either side of the tank - it won't make a difference.
Dave B
Dave B
Your in the UK? Google “55w pond and aquarium uv steriliser” and find the non stainless steel version from the popular “pond solutions” website.... I would personally run two of these side by side, think each is recommended for up to 200 gallons.... I run one on a 180 but extremely slow, barely trickles out...very well made and will only put you back £70 each... they aren’t the best branded out there but they do the trick when dialled in correctly... just be careful on size if you go this route, they are pretty big and bulky
Aardvark1134
Well-Known Member
Those jebao are Chinese knockoffs but yes they are very cheap.
I treat them as disposable. The plastic housing will degrade over time, and it’s already quite thin. I wouldn’t plan on running one more than a year or two.
