Lifeguard UV - Has anyone tried?

[KENNYSREEF]

Hello All,

Has anyone used the Lifegard Pro UVs? Im typically a aqua ultraviolet person but got a great deal one a Lifegard but don’t know much about them.

 

[GoVols]

 

[KENNYSREEF]

Thanks

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Hello All,

Has anyone used the Lifegard Pro UVs? Im typically a aqua ultraviolet person but got a great deal one a Lifegard but don’t know much about them.

I consider them on the same level as a aqua UV in terms of quality and parts availability. I owned a 25w (purchased second hand) with the 3" diameter. Only reason I sold it was due to the kinda funky inlet/outlet they have, I needed a lower profile. Otherwise no complaints.

 

[t5Nitro]

Have been using a 55 watt one for past 2 years. Great unit. Easy to get replacement parts.

 

[CK00020]

I have a 55 watt also, no complaints

 

[KENNYSREEF]

@t5Nitro & @CK00020 - Awesome to hear! I have the same unit with 2” outlet/inlet.

Do you guys run flow sensors on yours? My return is 3/4” but apex doesn’t make a 3/4” flow sensor so was thinking of doing a 2” flow sensor after the unit.

@Lbrdsoxfan Thanks for the response!

 

[t5Nitro]

I dont run a flow sensor, but I also have mine run on a small lifegard quiet one pump, the one around 400 gph. My intention at some point is to get my second return line going and connected off a manifold there, but I would probably just eyeball the output and call it good.

 

[Grill]

Lifegard aquatics uses High Output Watt Amalgam UV bulb. I've had the 55w on my 210 for almost three years.

The adjustable 45° intake/outlet is a HUGE convenience… less restricted water flow and enables easy installation which can be positioned multiple ways to fit tight spaces.

The ballast counts down the # of days until you need to replace the bulb.

Don't have to purchase separate mounting hardware since it's included.

MarineandReef has No TAX!!! with free shipping plus they usually have a 5% or 10% coupon floating around makes an excellent bang for the buck.

https://www.marineandreef.com/Lifegard_Aquatics_Pro_MAX_UV_Sterilizers_s/1258.htm

 

[t5Nitro]

I use marineandreef for replacement parts as well. Excellent store so far.

 

[KENNYSREEF]

I dont run a flow sensor, but I also have mine run on a small lifegard quiet one pump, the one around 400 gph. My intention at some point is to get my second return line going and connected off a manifold there, but I would probably just eyeball the output and call it good.

Lifegard aquatics uses High Output Watt Amalgam UV bulb. I've had the 55w on my 210 for almost three years.

The adjustable 45° intake/outlet is a HUGE convenience… less restricted water flow and enables easy installation which can be positioned multiple ways to fit tight spaces.

The ballast counts down the # of days until you need to replace the bulb.

Don't have to purchase separate mounting hardware since it's included.

MarineandReef has No TAX!!! with free shipping plus they usually have a 5% or 10% coupon floating around makes an excellent bang for the buck.

https://www.marineandreef.com/Lifegard_Aquatics_Pro_MAX_UV_Sterilizers_s/1258.htm

Do you guys have pictures of how you plumbed yours?

Also, how is the maintenance? Heard it was more messy since you have to remove the entire unit?

 

[t5Nitro]

I can send you one later today. Maintenance isn't too difficult.
After the first year, I just replaced the amalgam bulb.
After the second year, I replaced the PVC sheaths, quartz sleeve and rubber gaskets, and amalgam bulb.
The maintenance is actually pretty easy. For just a bulb swap, you just unscrew the cap at one end of the unit and slide the quartz sleeve out with the bulb, swap it, and place it back in, screw the end cap back on.

For the larger parts replacement I did after the 2nd year, then I took off the bolts that holds the ends to the central UV unit. It comes apart in 3 sections just about: left, middle, and right. The only reason to do that is to replace or clean the PVC sheaths inside the outlet and inlet. Otherwise, you can swap the quartz sleeve, gaskets on the sleeve, bulb all with unscrewing one end cap and no tools.

This is a phenomenal unit. I can't find any reason to spend more on an aqua UV or pentair. These lifegards are workhorses, a nice timer to countdown the bulb life, (so far) easy to find replacement parts, and pretty easy maintenance once a year.

 

[exnisstech]

Late arriving but I also have a 55 Watt that has been fine for 13 months. Need to change the bulb. My set up isn't ideal as my sump is in the basement and I didn't plumb it up to the display.

 

[1ocean]

I just bought the new style ? 55 watt one and it should be here in a few days for the 300. On line pet places wanted about 500...got it on amazon for 421.00 !

 

[am3gross]

I have the 120 watt. It has worked great for me. The day tracker really helps me keep track as I will order a new bulb at the 60-90 day mark. I do not have any kind of flow meter on mine. Mine is run with a Vectra pump.

 

[Grill]

I just bought the new style ? 55 watt one and it should be here in a few days for the 300. On line pet places wanted about 500...got it on amazon for 421.00 !

$391 at marineandreef with no tax.

 

[CK00020]

Late arriving but I also have a 55 Watt that has been fine for 13 months. Need to change the bulb. My set up isn't ideal as my sump is in the basement and I didn't plumb it up to the display.

Mine is in a basement sump as well. That’s still a great price, I think I paid a little over 200 2 to 3 years ago.

 

[JGT]

Ditto on comments here. Great unit at much less than others. Also have the 55w amalgam. Got it 2 years back for like $259 during a Black Friday sale. Have mine in my basement sump as well. Run it off a manifold and have it tied into my return line back to the DT.

 

[CK00020]

Ditto on comments here. Great unit at much less than others. Also have the 55w amalgam. Got it 2 years back for like $259 during a Black Friday sale. Have mine in my basement sump as well. Run it off a manifold and have it tied into my return line back to the DT.

Do you have a pic of how that is plumbed I am interested in doing the same with mine

 

[JGT]

I can take a pic and post it here.