Help me pick out a uv sterilizer

[johnnyblaze313]

I'm thinking I want to add Uv to my 180 gal with a 100 gal sump mostly for disease prevention .. I think I've got it narrowed down to the 40 watt lifegaurd ql series or the40 watt ultralife http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-s...?fe_feedid=126 and I leaning toward the later...

I know there r better like aqua Uv n emperor aquatic but I just can't get myself to spend 350+ on one, should I get a smaller model like 25 watt of one of the better brands?

Any other brands I should look into??

[rguyler]

The Ultralife gets good reviews pretty much wherever you look and I would prefer it over the Lifeguard. I'm in the same place you are but have narrowed down to the Ultralife and Turbo Twist.

Here are some details to consider when making this choice:

1) Parts availability - bulbs need to be replaced about every year so you have to be able to find them. The UL bulbs are not easy to find (Premium Aquatics sells them) but the Lifeguard and Turbo Twist bulbs are commonly available. However expect to pay around $60 per bulb for the UL and TT bulbs so price may be something to consider.

2) I tried to go to Ultralife's website and online store and both are not available. I don't know if this is just a web server glitch or if the company has fallen on hard times but I'm leery of buying a product from a company on the way out. Maybe not a big deal if you can find alternate sources for the bulbs (which is likely) but something to keep in mind.

I prefer the UL from these 3 but may go with the TT just due to the company's stability and ease of finding parts. I am however interested in the power compact style of bulb versus the T5 bulb the UL unit uses. There are supposed to be significant differences in the two when used for lighting so maybe so too there are differences when used for sterilization.

[tkeracer619]

A UV won't necessarily prevent disease.

I think you could spend your money on something better for your tank.

[rguyler]

Yes, yes a long-debated topic here at RC. I'm okay to agree to disagree on this one. I've used UV sterilization for over 2 decades and believe 100% in their benefit. When I've not used them I typically wind up regretting it.

[grigsy]

+1

I use UV sterilizers and find them benefitial also.

Ultralife is a good option.

[jasonw52]

I use the turbo twist 36watt on my 180. Works great. The connections could be better but other than that it is great.

[rguyler]

I just ordered the Turbo Twist 36W. Since it takes the very common 4 inline-pin PC bulb, you can find generic bulbs almost everywhere. I can order these for $15-20 each so I can afford to replace them every 6 months instead of annually, which should keep the unit running at peak efficiency.

I do think the Ultralife may be a better built product but I saved a few bucks going with the TT and in the end the quality difference is probably marginal. By the way, the UL website is back up so maybe just a technical glitch.

Good luck Johnnyblaze313!

[wdt2000]

I went with Lifeguard/Pentair simply because they are not going any were and parts are easy to find.