Upgrading Aqua Ultraviolet 25w to 57w

ConsummatePro

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I have an old Aqua Ultraviolet 25W unit that I’m thinking of putting back into use. I have to replace the bulb but was wondering if it’s possible to replace the current 25w transformer with a new 57W transformer and use the 57 W bulb?

I think the 25w and 57w bulbs are the same size so this should physically work.
Anyone done this?
 

Sean Clark

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I don't see why you couldn't do that. I was looking at the quartz sleeves and they appear to be interchangeable. Everything looks like it should match right up. Looks like a nice affordable way to upgrade.

This Pentair transformer will drive up to 65w and is a cheaper option to the 57w aqua ultraviolet transformer. You just need to swap the nut over as one is male and the other is female.
 

Malcontent

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Yes, I did this years ago when my 25 W ballast failed. The 57 W ballasts failed even more frequently so I'd recommend avoiding an original Aqua UV ballast. Buy generic bulbs too as you're really just paying 2-3X the price for the Aqua UV logo.
 
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Wow great tip on the transformer! I’m eyeing mine with suspicion anyway because it made a bunch of clicking sounds before the bulb lit up.
Just in time for Black Friday sales too!

will look into the generic bulb as well!
 

jmichaelh7

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they are interchangeable.

i just switched from two 57 watts to one 25 watt and one 57 watt due to not having another bulb available.

I had an extra transformer and bulb for the 25 watt in my garage.

:cool:
 
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@Malcontent is your 57W bulb still working? Finally got around to installing mine last month with the Pentair ballast and this morning I got an alert from my Apex the UV isn’t working (0 volts).

I noticed even when it was working, the Apex was reporting only around 37 watts draw. I let it be since others have reported the AquaUV 57 W bulbs not drawing 57 W either.

I still have to look at the bulb after work but the power monitoring suddenly spiked to 52W then down to 10W then 87W and afterward dropped off to zero. Not sure if this is a ballast or bulb issue now.


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jmichaelh7

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PeterC99

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Skipping out on ultraviolet uv bulbs to save money sounds good but you get what you pay for.
That’s why I’m following. These bulbs are $80 on Amazon and $30 on eBay. Big price differential but is it worth it.
 
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I reached out to the eBay seller and they immediately replied and are sending me a new bulb. I also did pick up an AquaUV branded 57W bulb and I’ll see the difference in wattage draw vs the generic version and hope for good longevity with the AquaUV version. The replacement generic will be a backup I guess.
 

jmichaelh7

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I reached out to the eBay seller and they immediately replied and are sending me a new bulb. I also did pick up an AquaUV branded 57W bulb and I’ll see the difference in wattage draw vs the generic version and hope for good longevity with the AquaUV version. The replacement generic will be a backup I guess.
I might be upgrading my bulbs for $40 total
 
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So I think it may actually be the Pentair power supply. I plugged the brand new AquaUV branded 57 W bulb in and it doesn’t light up at all. Also worried that if faulty this transformer may just fry the expensive bulb!

just bought in December so reaching out to BRS and seeing what they can do.
 

PaulErik

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The Pentair 12-65 watt ballast is rated for normal output bulbs (400-430 mA). The 50-120 watt ballast is rated for High Output (HO) bulbs (800mA). The Aqua UV 57 watt bulbs are High Output type and require the correct ballast. Using a standard/normal output ballast will underdrive a HO bulb, reducing output and lamp life.
 
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ConsummatePro

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The Pentair 12-65 watt ballast is rated for normal output bulbs (400-430 mA). The 50-120 watt ballast is rated for High Output (HO) bulbs (800mA). The Aqua UV 57 watt bulbs are High Output type and require the correct ballast. Using a standard/normal output ballast will underdrive a HO bulb, reducing output and lamp life.
Oh yikes. That might be the issue. Any way you suggest to test if the ballast is dead?

Also would the Pentair 12-65 W supply drive a 25W bulb properly ?
 

dadnjesse

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I have been using the same 57 watt Aqua Ultaviolet ballast for 8 years and never had a problem. I don't know why you were advised against using them.
 

PaulErik

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That 12-65W ballast will operate the Aqua UV 25W bulb. The Aqua UV 15, 25 and 40 watt bulbs are standard output (425mA). The best way to test the ballast is with an appropriate bulb.
 

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