UV Sterilizer brands

[doviiman]

Okay guys need some serious help with UV sterilizer and brand names. In the process of setting up this 900gal, but never used the UV's.
So the guys that's helping me swears up and down that the Emperor 80 watt ultra UV is the way to go and I am not doubting this, but at 700 dollars and 80 bucks to change out the bulb every 9months, there got to be another brand that works as well if not better and maybe the bulbs are not as expensive than the Emperor's. Any thoughts on this, just trying to do as much research as possible before spending that kind of money on an item /product I have no experience with. If there are any other recommended brands being used out there that people are using with great results please list them. I plan to house, rays, arrow's, tig cat, GATF and maybe even a FRT...

 

[brich999]

check ebay... there are a few diff brands that do high output UV. lifegard makes some good ones, and the 80W is just a tad cheaper at like 650. i always like to do a couple smaller ones depending on where you are planning on putting them maybe a couple of 40watt, so when one bulb is starting to wear out, the other is still running strong.

 

[Dan F]

I have heard good thingd about the Pentair units. Jehmco sells the 80W unit for $364.75 - I plan on buying one in the near future.

 

[Dan F]

check ebay... there are a few diff brands that do high output UV. lifegard makes some good ones, and the 80W is just a tad cheaper at like 650. i always like to do a couple smaller ones depending on where you are planning on putting them maybe a couple of 40watt, so when one bulb is starting to wear out, the other is still running strong.

You can get the 80W Lifegard Pentair for a lot less than $650 ($364.75) - two 40W units will only set you back about $310.00.

http://jehmco.com/html/uv_sterilizers.html

 

[5280critters]

Is that kind of wattage really needed? I have only an 18 watt on my 3000 gal pond and my water is amazing. I do have a 200 gal sump system as well.

 

[vamptrev]

i have an aqua uv

rely like the design and quality, not sure on the prices though...

 

[DMD123]

Is that kind of wattage really needed? I have only an 18 watt on my 3000 gal pond and my water is amazing.

I have to agree. If you just want to keep the water from getting that green tint a smaller watt unit will do just fine. In the pond industry they are usually called a clarifier with wattage being as low as 5 to 18. Unless you are looking for some hard core bug zapping I dont think you need to spend that much.

I use a 9w Helix Aquamedic on my 120g and it is crystal clear. I am also setting up a 210g with a 18w turbo twist. I like UV's and feel that they are important part of the filter system but i feel you dont need to spend $700 to get one.

 

[frnchjeep]

Turbo twist, mang. Lots of contact time, which in theory means you can run more GPH over a smaller bulb.

 

[pacu mom]

You can get the 80W Lifegard Pentair for a lot less than $650 ($364.75) - two 40W units will only set you back about $310.00.

http://jehmco.com/html/uv_sterilizers.html

That's a really good price. I bought two 120Ws from Marine Depot and paid a lot more than what Jehmco is selling them for.

I've been running a Pentair 40W UV for over 5 years. The recommended flow rate for the 40W matched the flow rate for my FX-5, so we connected the UV sterilizer to the return line of the FX-5. It has worked so well for us, that I did not consider any other brand for our big upgrade.

Pentair advertizes their quartz bulb as superior to other UV bulbs.

 

[kendragon]

I think your UV selection should be based on what you're trying to kill and your pump size. You may be able to get by with less wattage by adjusting the flow rate. Be aware not all UV systems are alike. Ballast and lamps differ. Using on-line UV sizing charts is good reference but not accurate because not all chambers and lamps are alike. Must be calculated. You may be paying for more than you need.