UV Sterilizer/Which one would you recommend?

[corallus caninus]

I am debating adding a UV sterilizer to my 58 Gal Reef. My sump is about 20 Gal, so I have approximately 75 Gal total. I get minor out breaks of Ich every now and then and I believe adding a sterilizer will help.

I have shopped around and looked at the different products out there and have narrowed it down to two choices: an 18W Coralife Turbo Twist or an Aqua 15W Advantage 2000. For those of you who currently use one or have used one in the past please let us know what results you got.

Thanks.

 

[glxtrix]

Gamma or Emperor Aquatics are the only I would/do use. Ones that utilize a T5 UV bulb will work better than the PC sterilizers. You should be able to find a 25W Current Gamma for the same price as the other ones you have listed. I currently have a 40W Gamma and LOVE it!

 

[grouper therapy]

I like the aqua UV. I personally know of three gamma's catching on fire that was two years ago maybe they have fixed the issue, all three were 40 watts.

 

[skriz]

I wouldn't use anything other than emperor aquatics. They are far superior than the other manufacturers.

 

[corallus caninus]

Skriz;414936 wrote: I wouldn't use anything other than emperor aquatics. They are far superior than the other manufacturers.

I researched them and they are considerably higher priced. Who has the most competitive prices if I decided to purchase one?

 

[enderg60]

grouper therapy;414861 wrote: I like the aqua UV. I personally know of three gamma's catching on fire that was two years ago maybe they have fixed the issue, all three were 40 watts.

odd ive used them on many tanks and never had problems with them.

 

[skriz]

Corallus caninus;414967 wrote: I researched them and they are considerably higher priced. Who has the most competitive prices if I decided to purchase one?

They're more because you're getting more. I deal with uv on a daily basis & have experience with many different brands. Most are overpriced pos's, no matter how cheap they may appear to be.

 

[jennm]

I have a used Coralife Turbo Twist 6X and Mag 2 in my consignment stuff. (See my sponsor forum).

It's not one of those recommended here, but it's going for cheap ... and we've had good feedback from folks using them.

Just throwing it out there...

Jenn

 

[seth the wine guy]

Corallus caninus;414801 wrote: I am debating adding a UV sterilizer to my 58 Gal Reef. My sump is about 20 Gal, so I have approximately 75 Gal total. I get minor out breaks of Ich every now and then and I believe adding a sterilizer will help.

I have shopped around and looked at the different products out there and have narrowed it down to two choices: an 18W Coralife Turbo Twist or an Aqua 15W Advantage 2000. For those of you who currently use one or have used one in the past please let us know what results you got.

Thanks.

Did you ever end up getting one? If so, which one and how has it done so far?

 

[gmpolan]

I run the aqua uv 40 watt w/wiper on the 150 gallon, alot of tangs and a idol and it does a great job. couldnt be happier...

 

[corallus caninus]

I ended up going with the Aqua 15W Advantage 2000. It is a small model and it has improved the overall health of my tank greatly. Ick is no longer an issue but I believe quarantine is still essential. I will continue to use this product for my larger build in the near future. I will get the appropriate size to match. I think the most critical factor in running a UV sterilzer is getting the proper flow rate to eliminate the pathogens we do not want and replacing the bulb at least once a year.