UV Sterilizer Owners: Report Your Bulb's Life Span Here (please)...

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terd ferguson

terd ferguson

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Aug 6, 2007
1,659
20
38
Concord, NC
I bought a CoralLife Turbo Twist 36 watt UV sterilizer back in January of this year. The bulb has burnt out in the last couple of days. I don't know exactly when, but my water started to get cloudy in the last couple of days, reminding me of how well they work and why I bought one (heavy stock and heavy feeding).

These bulbs are expensive. I'm just curious what the bulb's life expectancy is on the various makes and models. So, please chime in and post how long your bubls lasted. Also, please post the model and wattage of your UV Sterilizer.

I'll start.

CoralLife Turbo Twist 36 watt - 5 months.



Thanks for looking and thanks for this great forum.:)
 
I forgot to add, I run mine 24 hours a day every day.:)
 
cesartorr74;1769578; said:
Thats cool, they shoud run 24-7 so it should be no concern buddy
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So why did mine only last 5 months?


cesartorr74 said:
Do u have a problem with algae?
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Yes, I have a problem with algea. I have a lot of big fishes that eat even more. See my sig for stock. I've also been leaving my lights on for longer in order for the mangroves in my sump to do well. The tank lights and sump lights are on the same switch. There's always trade offs. :)
 
Im guessing it was just a bad bulb. Im using a 5 watt uv for my 90 bow and run about 9 hrs of light (T5's) a day and always on for my refugium so try reducing the light on ur display tank and only run 24-7 for the sump to reduce your nuisance algae
 
cesartorr74;1769719; said:
Im guessing it was just a bad bulb. Im using a 5 watt uv for my 90 bow and run about 9 hrs of light (T5's) a day and always on for my refugium so try reducing the light on ur display tank and only run 24-7 for the sump to reduce your nuisance algae
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I thought maybe I did get a bad bulb. I seem to remember reading they should last longer. I should've been more clear about the algea problem though. I didn't have an algea problem as long as the UV sterilizer was running. Without it, I have an algea problem. That was one of the two reasons I bought it. The other was desease.

But, thanks for the advice. I've got a new UV bulb on the way. I'll switch the lights up so the tank lights and the sump light can operate independently. I'm sure it'll help with 10 hours of tank light versus 15. I can leave the sump light on longer as you suggested. Thanks again.:)
 
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