Pentair UV sterilizer - do I need to drain with change?

[MjOB]

I am planning to install a Pentair 80W UV sterilizer into my tank. Due to its size, the only place I can put it is behind my sump on the ground horizontally.

If I do that though, I will not be able to drain the sterilizer. When it comes time to change the lamp and sleeve, will I be screwed? Or is there a way to change the lamp and sleeve without having the water in it come out?

 

[blaxsun]

I just changed the bulb in my AquaUV sterilizer, and while I didn't remove the glass sleeve - I did end up soaking it and the housing in water and EzeClean. The sleeve was fairly dirty, and this ultimately necessitated removing the whole unit.

So I would say that for a variety of reasons you'll need to be able to remove at least the sleeve and bulb for cleaning - as well as drain the UV.

I've seen a few setups where the UV was mounted vertically along the side of the tank.

 

[ThaBeast]

just put shut off valves on the input and output lines. Use a shop vac to extract the water from the housing

 

[Kalinina]

I agree with HndMafia with the shutoff valves in each end as well as unions on each end. I had to mount my UV the same way in my sump.

 

[Kalinina]

I agree with HndMafia with the shutoff valves in each end as well as unions on each end. I had to mount my UV the same way in my sump.

Here’s a pic of how I have mine.

 

[blaxsun]

Unrelated... I've seen a bunch of posts from Pentair UV owners lately describing how the housing has thinned (letting UV light through) and out-and-out failed. This doesn't seem to be an issue with Aquaultraviolet UVs since they use a different type of plastic.