Pro-Max UV Sterilizer review?

jpas · Nov 21, 2018

They said the sale was for in stock inventory, but since I called they said they would honor the sale price.

DRSFS also have them at 20% off, but they charge sales tax.

Trickman2 · Nov 21, 2018

jpas said:
They said the sale was for in stock inventory, but since I called they said they would honor the sale price.

DRSFS also have them at 20% off, but they charge sales tax.

Which model did you get?

jpas · Nov 21, 2018

3” 90w version.

Blue Tang Clan · Nov 24, 2018

Any updates? I'd love to see how you plumbed it in.

I'm on the fence between this and a 120W version from Pentair/Emperor

jpas · Nov 28, 2018

I am still waiting on it to arrive. It was dropped shipped from the manufacturer.

Trickman2 · Nov 30, 2018

Plumbed in - took some work to plumb I’m in on my system.

Trickman2 · Nov 30, 2018

The unit is spliced into the second main line. It goes into the top and down through the UV. Then loops back into the wye after the ball valve. Quick disconnects are in place to allow for easy bulb changes. Install was a little tricky.

dragonfisher33 · Dec 8, 2018

Anyone knows the difference between the amalgam and the regular version?

jpas · Dec 8, 2018

Checkout their website, it explains the difference.

The amalgam is the high power version

ReefHog · Dec 20, 2018

Trickman2,
Curious what you think of the 90 watt pro max UV after a few weeks of running it.

jpas · Dec 21, 2018

ReefHog said:
Trickman2,
Curious what you think of the 90 watt pro max UV after a few weeks of running it.

I also installed the 90w Promax UV. I have it set with a really low flow to try and ensure I kill off all parasites.

Within a day my water was crystal clear without any filter socks.

My fish also appear to have a cleaner look to them with better colors.

I have had it running for around 12 days and since installing it I only had to clean my glass once, whereas before i was cleaning it every other day.

ReefHog · Dec 21, 2018

That's very encouraging. Everyone says they don't do much for surface algae. I'm using 50 micron filter padding in place of my socks so my water is fairly clean and clear. It's just not crystal clear like I see on some tanks. I went ahead and ordered one and just got my notification my 90 watt Pro Max is on the way. I will be installing it on my 220. I was planning on installing it on one of my full siphon drains but now i think i'm gonna put it on the main return. This way 100% of the water will pass through it without short cycling treated water back through it. I will add the Neptune flow sensor to monitor and control flow. I'm thinking 660 GPH which would be three times tank turnover per hour. I have plenty of flow in the tank with my gyre and wave pucks.

Trickman2 · Dec 21, 2018

ReefHog said:
Trickman2,
Curious what you think of the 90 watt pro max UV after a few weeks of running it.

Very happy...it is a beautiful unit. Love the counter on the ballast. I found it to be extremely well built, thought out and polished product. They really thought about the details.

DarkTang · Dec 22, 2018

Just joined the club and bought a 120w 5” one. Which is better 3” or 5”? 5” would provide more water volume inside the uv sterilizer and therefore more penetration time correct?

mace88 · Jan 14, 2019

How do you guys like your sterilizers for far? I was thinking about pulling the trigger on one at Dr foster smith with 15 percent off.

Do you think the 90w is enough for 450 gallon of water volume? Says up to 650 but not sure if that is high estimate?

mrjoev · Feb 16, 2019

Thank you for this post!!!!!! I saw the MegaDepo sale but missed it as i was researching HO UV. but... liveaquaria.com is now running Dr Fosters site and they have a 30% off coupon they emailed!! ( GR8NEW19) it works on the Lifegard Pro-MAX . They don't sell any Pentair.

from looking at the Differance spec wise from the 3" and the 5" is only the overall dimensions and slight Peek Flow increase, UV-c is the same.

Enjoy and thank you for your opinions/ Reviews. i can't wait till mine comes in

jpas · Feb 16, 2019

Wow, 30% off would be an awesome deal!!!

The 5” gives you slower linear water velocity through the UV section at the same mass flow rate compared to the 3”.

However I do recall seeing a white paper that stated 3” provides the optimal distance from the bulb to sterilize Protozoa

How big is your tank?