Uv sterilizer

[Cheddah93]

Figured I’d ask and maybe start some conversation about them... who uses them? Why? Any benefit beyond possible disease control and algae control, and water clarity?

I recently bought a cheap jebao to get rid of Dino’s which it did fabulously, and the water clarity has been great since starting it. Aswell I have noticed that I’m cleaning the glass less. With those benefits I’ve been pondering buying a good one, and plumbing it in because I know and have read that the jebao units aren’t the greatest and deteriorating rather quickly.

Just looking for some extra thoughts on what people think about them. Pros vs cons.

 

[MarvinsReef]

I use a Pentair aquatics 80 watt sterilizer and love it. The only issue is every time I order new bulbs in the mail they end up broken since they are extremely fragile. The vendors always make it right but it is annoying.

 

[PSU4ME]

I think a UV is a great addition to any system as long as it’s sized appropriately. It will add heat but the benefits outweigh that.

Algae control and water clarity are huge for my running a 5’ penninsula.

 

[Terry Martin]

what is the best way to plumb them into your system?

 

[bwils]

I use a UV that kicks on after the lights go out. I notice a difference in water quality if I take it offline for extended periods. It doesn't replace regular maintenance but works in conjunction. Getting new bulbs is a pain!

 

[jasonrusso]

I have a UV on both my systems TMC Vectrons. If you go to the page, there is a lot of information. Apparently they change the water redox as well.

 

[jasonrusso]

what is the best way to plumb them into your system?

Personally I use a separate pump (Cheap Jeabo) so I can dial in the flow rate. The pump is in my sump and the return from the UV goes back into the sump into the return chamber where the return pumps are.

 

[this is me]

I have no issue getting or replacing the UV bulb and sleeve from Pentair.
I buy direct from Pentair since their online store website is a lot better organized to find replacement parts than vendors. https://pentairaes.com/emperor-smart-uv-high-output-sterilizer-replacement-parts.html
Just match up your model and you’ll likely won’t get the wrong part. Their price(with sales) is also better than other vendors.
just got my new sleeve and bulb yesterday.

 

[Phinfan]

Just my 2 cents. Support you're LFS bulbs and sleeves won't be broken and who knows amybe you can grab a coral or fish while you are there.

 

[FREAKINRICAN69]

Just my 2 cents. Support you're LFS bulbs and sleeves won't be broken and who knows amybe you can grab a coral or fish while you are there.

IMO
As long as the lfs doesn’t double up in prices and keeps them reasonable which I don’t see that in the foreseeable future due to this whole pandemic where better off on our own.

 

[this is me]

Hahhhh!
Name one LFS that has it in stock. I can't even find anyone who carries 60" T5s nevermind a very specialized UV bulb.
Often time I called for bulbs, I either have to wait for them to place the order then drive there to pick it when it comes in. I rather sit on my a** waiting for the bulbs to arrive and drive to the LFS whenever I want to see livestock.

 

[FREAKINRICAN69]

Hahhhh!
Name one LFS that has it in stock. I can't even find anyone who carries 60" T5s nevermind a very specialized UV bulb.
Often time I called for bulbs, I either have to wait for them to place the order then drive there to pick it when it comes in. I rather sit on my a$$ waiting for the bulbs to arrive and drive to the LFS whenever I want to see livestock.

i AGREE...LOL

wHEN I ORDERED MY T5 HYBRID FIXTURE W/NEW BULBS IT TOOK OVER A MONTH BUT HE GOT IT! lol i STILL HAVENT USED IT EITHER. THAT'S FOR MY FUTURE 200G BUILD.