UV sterilizer feedback wanted

[A sea K]

Anyone have any experience or info on the Aquatop Eliminator series in-line 36watt uv? Ran into it while searching for UV's the other day but cant find any reviews so I'm reaching out here.

 

[Ron Reefman]

bump

 

[Reefer1978]

UV design is simple enough where reviews are seldom needed. There's a bulb, you pass water around it. My only concern with unknown brands + electricity + salt water is build quality and long term performance; if any seal ever leaks it done for and hopefully doesn't take the house with it. Those reviews usually only show up in the form of negative, post-fact yelling, which we haven't seen yet.

 

[Emptyness]

I have learned so much about UV-sterilizers from this video from BRS.

 

[A sea K]

I found some info that included a picture of the replacement bulb for that unit and it appears to be some form of a power compact type bulb so I'm not sure how well the bulb will actually output UV. I opted instead to spend a few more dollars and went with a Lifeguard Aquatics Pro-Max 25 watt unit and I have much more confidence in it. Should be here the first of next week.

I had some issues with a Goni in my system that corresponded with a fairly large W/C, at first I thought I had some diatoms but apparently it is a dino infestastion. I've kept it somewhat at bay but it is becoming clear that I will need more help other than raising nutrients, bacterial additives and regular sand vacuuming.

 

[Lightspeed]

don't know anything about that brand, but before you lay down your cash study this link and all the attached link articles. I run Lifegard Pro Max H/O 90watt Amalgam.
The units are very well built, reasonably priced and are fully serviceable including replacement chamber liners.

TMC Premium UV Sterilizers; Only USA Authorized Seller

We carry the highest grade professional UV sterilizers. TMC Vecton, Titan, Advantage Pond/Aquarium, UV Sterilizer | Category A . Along with internal UV pump Filter

www.americanaquariumproducts.com

 

[A sea K]

don't know anything about that brand, but before you lay down your cash study this link and all the attached link articles. I run Lifegard Pro Max H/O 90watt Amalgam.
The units are very well built, reasonably priced and are fully serviceable including replacement chamber liners.

TMC Premium UV Sterilizers; Only USA Authorized Seller

We carry the highest grade professional UV sterilizers. TMC Vecton, Titan, Advantage Pond/Aquarium, UV Sterilizer | Category A . Along with internal UV pump Filter

www.americanaquariumproducts.com

Too late, cash is already gone! Good news though, read my last post and it states I bought the 25 watt unit of their line-up, it's not the amalgram version as I believe it only comes in 55 watts and above, just regular HO 25 watt.

 

[vetteguy53081]

It’s a basic unit hence the low price.
Better off with AquaUV or PENTAIR

 

[ReefHog]

It’s a basic unit hence the low price.
Better off with AquaUV or PENTAIR

Assuming your referring to the Aquatop Eliminator as a "basic" unit. It's my opinion that the LA Pro Max series is right there with the big two with some great features. I've had the LA Pro MAX 90 watt on my 220 for about 18 months and couldn't be happier. Maintenance is super easy. I clean the quartz sleeve at 6 months with citric acid and replace the lamp at 12 months. The inner PVC sleeve is replaceable as well which I will replace at 24 months. The only reason I can see for not geting the attention of AquaUV or Pentair is that BRS doesn't sell them

 

[A sea K]

Uh Oh! This thing is big. I was aware they are kinda bulky and carefully checked the dimensions but the way the fittings come out of this thing (and my particular sump and cabinet layout) it does not appear that I will be able to fit it within my cabinet. Only option I can see will be to remotely mount it outside the cabinet requiring a lot more plumbing (creating a lot more head pressure) and will require a new and larger return pump. Might have one more ace up my sleeve, gonna go check.

 

[ReefHog]

Uh Oh! This thing is big. I was aware they are kinda bulky and carefully checked the dimensions but the way the fittings come out of this thing (and my particular sump and cabinet layout) it does not appear that I will be able to fit it within my cabinet. Only option I can see will be to remotely mount it outside the cabinet requiring a lot more plumbing (creating a lot more head pressure) and will require a new and larger return pump. Might have one more ace up my sleeve, gonna go check.

Yea, these things are monsters. I have mine mounted vertically in back of the tank with the inlet at 90 degrees facing the sump, fed by my return pump, and the outlet parallel up to the Sea Swirl return to the tank. I'm sure your aware the inlet and outlet can be rotated. A lot of people just lay them on the floor behind the tank.

 

[Lightspeed]

Monsta UV, Monsta quality, i will take a Lifegard ProMax amalgam over a Pentair anyday, you will probably find the bulb is made by the same manufacturer (eg Philips)

 

[A sea K]

I'm sure your aware the inlet and outlet can be rotated. A lot of people just lay them on the floor behind the tank.

Yes thank you. Not only that but you can unbolt the end caps and rotate them also. Still no good. I can certainly plumb it outside the cabinet, wife likely wont be pleased either and this will require a new return pump as my current return was going to be borderline in flow anyway.