WHAT UV??

[Dmat21]

Which UV filter do you guys recommend the most durable and long-lasting and efficient for the price? 65g tank and 20g sump I’m currently looking at the;
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/15-watt-classic-uv-sterilizer-black-body-aqua-ultraviolet.html
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/smart-uv-18-watt-pentair-aquatics.html
anyone with any experience with either of these two? Thanks

 

[Hydrored]

I have been running aqua UV for almost the past 2 years and have been happy, the main reason I prefer them is due to the size.

 

[User1]

I do not use one but came across this the other day.

 

[Traveler]

Which UV filter do you guys recommend the most durable and long-lasting and efficient for the price? 65g tank and 20g sump I’m currently looking at the;
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/15-watt-classic-uv-sterilizer-black-body-aqua-ultraviolet.html
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/smart-uv-18-watt-pentair-aquatics.html
anyone with any experience with either of these two? Thanks

I have an Aqua 57w and a TMC Vecton 25w. Both of these units are good. It seems TMC has a longer warranty and better pricing. Once you get above 25w, I chose Aqua because of their size. Emperor is a good unit as well but again for the size I required it was more costly and just too large. When you do the math, the flow rates are close

 

[ID-Reefer]

I would recommend the TMC Vecton 600. I’m running two in line on my 250 gal system. They are well made.

 

[[Cameron]]

Pentair is the gold standard and commands a price to match. Lifegard is the value pick from an established brand. My problem with Lifegard is the size... they are big but if you have the room that would definitely be on my list.

The general complaint with Aqua UV is that some people that monitor the wattage on the unit say they don't pull anywhere near their listed wattage. You can almost divide by three the amount of wattage a ballast consumes versus how much UV wattage is put out. For example, a Pentair 25w puts out about 9w of light. Some AquaUV complaints have it putting out about half its rated wattage so the 18w is really a 9w which makes it about 4w at the bulb. This is all 2nd hand though. IMO the Aqua UV Advantage 2000+ Barb x Barb 15 Watt is one of the best sump friendly install models made. It is easily one of the best designs I have seen for plumbing in a sump.

The TMC Vecton mentioned above is probably the only other "budget" unit I would consider. I don't know much about them but they have been around a LONG time. I remember the Vecton from the early 00s. The TMC Vecton line is the only line specifically recommended by TMC for aquariums. The Vecton units also have a fantastic layout for plumbing.

 

[Cory]

My problem with Lifegard is the size

Not sure why you think lifegard is any larger than a pentair?

Pentair 80 watt

• Input Watts: 80 watts
• UV-C Output Watts: 26 watts
• UV Body Length: 43"
• UV Body Diameter: 5.75"
• Inlet/Outlet Size: 2" PVC Unions

Lifegard 90 watt

• Wattage: 90 Watts
• Total Current Draw: 1.2A
• Lamp Life: 9,000 Hours
• Max Flow Rate: 2,800 GPH
• Max Aquarium Size: 650 Gallons
• Max Pond Size: 11,000 Gallons
• Dimensions: 32.5"L (depending on configuration) x 4.51"W x 9"H
• Inlet/Outlet: 2"

What im seeing is lifegard is smaller than pentair.

 

[Aardvark1134]

Life guard also comes in both 3 inch and 5 inch.

 

[ScottB]

Life guard also comes in both 3 inch and 5 inch.

Yes. If footprint is an issue, the 5" Promax amalgam is compelling.

My own experience with with Aqua UV and no complaints.

 

[theMeat]

Uv exposure isn’t rocket science. A bulb and reflective sleeve in a tube. They’re all pretty similar, design wise, except fir turbo twist that has longer exposure time by design. Would argue the sleeve reflection gets some interference from this unique design.
The size of your tank determines what size wattage you want.
Have been using “Odysea UV” on many tanks, some for over a decade and works great, sleeve still perfect and has been bulletproof. Bulbs are same as other brands and widely available for about 15 bucks per. Also familiar with pentair, aqua uv and others, and don’t see an advantage , only many times the price tag