Lifegard Aquatics UV Sterilizers?

[Kasey Grohowski]

Does anyone have reviews on these UV sterilizers? I'm debating on getting a 90 watt Pro Max for my 220, to achieve level 2 sterilization.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Bump

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Bump

 

[ReefHog]

I have the 90 watt pro max on my 220. Water Is definitely very clear. I run 100% return through it at about 650gph. I have to wonder if anyone can really know how well it works for parasites without before and after infected water sample tests. Not even sure how that would work. I do know that there are no signs of parasites in my tank. Of coarse all my fish were strictly quarantined and tank was fallow for 90 days. It does give me piece of mind for sure. As far as installation and my impression of the unit goes, it is a solid unit and easy to install. I’ll be able to change bulb and sleeve without removing the unit.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Can't help you with the lifeguard too much. Of the reviews I've read about them, it's a mixed bag. Mostly issues about leaks.

Pentair Aquatics have generally good reviews, as does Aqua UV. Not sure about the size you need or want. You'll have to do some reading.

I just purchased a Aqua UV 15watt for my 180 total volume system only for water clarity. Does a great job.

The big ones are out of my budget.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

I have the 90 watt pro max on my 220. Water Is definitely very clear. I run 100% return through it at about 650gph. I have to wonder if anyone can really know how well it works for parasites without before and after infected water sample tests. Not even sure how that would work. I do know that there are no signs of parasites in my tank. Of coarse all my fish were strictly quarantined and tank was fallow for 90 days. It does give me piece of mind for sure. As far as installation and my impression of the unit goes, it is a solid unit and easy to install. I’ll be able to change bulb and sleeve without removing the unit.

Is your UV full of water when running? I run mine at 800 gph and it's only half full in the sterilizer.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

I have the 90 watt pro max on my 220. Water Is definitely very clear. I run 100% return through it at about 650gph. I have to wonder if anyone can really know how well it works for parasites without before and after infected water sample tests. Not even sure how that would work. I do know that there are no signs of parasites in my tank. Of coarse all my fish were strictly quarantined and tank was fallow for 90 days. It does give me piece of mind for sure. As far as installation and my impression of the unit goes, it is a solid unit and easy to install. I’ll be able to change bulb and sleeve without removing the unit.

Also do you run it 24/7?

 

[Jon Fishman]

I would go bigger for sterilization. Look at the 114w they sell. I would still recommend bigger, but the 114w uses two 57w bulbs vs the 120w’s three 40’s so bulb replacement is a bit more affordable

Edit. Sorry. was thinking Aqua UV for some reason

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

I would go bigger for sterilization. Look at the 114w they sell. I would still recommend bigger, but the 114w uses two 57w bulbs vs the 120w’s three 40’s so bulb replacement is a bit more affordable

Edit. Sorry. was thinking Aqua UV for some reason

Really? Both brands are consistent when it comes to sizing. Aqua recommends an 80 watt on a 600 gallon saltwater tank, and Lifegard recommends a 90 watt on a saltwater aquarium.

 

[Jon Fishman]

Really? Both brands are consistent when it comes to sizing. Aqua recommends an 80 watt on a 600 gallon saltwater tank, and Lifegard recommends a 90 watt on a saltwater aquarium.

I was referring to the availability of the 114w unit.

Either way, I would shoot for 120-160W or so. Low flow is key as well

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

I was referring to the availability of the 114w unit.

Either way, I would shoot for 120-160W or so. Low flow is key as well

For 260 gallons? I thought I was already over sizing 3x. Right now I'm pushing through what should be killing parasites.

 

[Jon Fishman]

For 260 gallons? I thought I was already over sizing 3x. Right now I'm pushing through what should be killing parasites.

I shopped the 114 and 120w Aqua UVs for my 150 total gallon system. I don’t follow manufacturers recommendations closely.
I’m sure a 90 or whatever should be fine..... but I like to plug it in and have peace of mind.

More power......

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

I shopped the 114 and 120w Aqua UVs for my 150 total gallon system. I don’t follow manufacturers recommendations closely.
I’m sure a 90 or whatever should be fine..... but I like to plug it in and have peace of mind.

More power......

Do you have one?

 

[Jon Fishman]

Do you have one?

I ended up getting an Avast Mutiny V2 Ozone Reactor with post carbon filter and Poseidon 220 Ozone generator. I am “close” to adding a small (25W) Aqua UV for added redundancy

I am only looking at water clarity and algae control though, so still overkill.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

I ended up getting an Avast Mutiny V2 Ozone Reactor with post carbon filter and Poseidon 220 Ozone generator. I am “close” to adding a small (25W) Aqua UV for added redundancy

I am only looking at water clarity and algae control though, so still overkill.

Does ozone also kill parasites?

 

[Jon Fishman]

Does ozone also kill parasites?

Kills everything I believe

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Kills everything I believe

I gotta do some research on those. Do they affect your plankton/pod population that you know of?

 

[Jon Fishman]

They say “no” but I still need an ORP because I don’t believe I want to run it 24/7

 

[Jon Fishman]

Can ozone cure ich?

EDIT: I have received notice that I was incorrect in using the term Oxygen Redox Potential to describe ORP. Commonly ORP is described as Oxidation Reduction Pot

reefs.com

 

[ReefHog]

Is your UV full of water when running? I run mine at 800 gph and it's only half full in the sterilizer.

I have mine mounted vertical with water entering at bottom. Yes the water fills the whole unit. I run it 24/7. I have an Apex flow meter after the UV so I know the exact gph through it. My Apex will shut the UV down if the flow drops below 400 gph. As far as sizing the UV goes, there’s a lot of good info here. http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumUVSterilization.html