Which UV?

[budsreef]

I'm thinking about getting either the 36W Turbo-Twist or the 36W Helix Max UV Sterilizer. Does anyone have any experience with either of these? Thanks for any inputs.

 

[glxtrix]

I have no exp. with those....however I can tell you I love my Gamma. I don't know if either of those use a T5 bulb...but the T5 bulbs are supposedly better than the PC bulbs. And with any UV, the longer reaction time the better it is at doing what you want it to....kill things! I'd suggest the Gamma or Emperor Aquatics UVs, however they are a little more expensive but give you the best bang for your buck.

 

[dakota9]

I've used two cheap UVs (one was an Odyssea) and both worked fine and did what they were supposed to do.

Big believer in UV!

 

[budsreef]

Thanks for the inputs so far. I plan on moving it from system to system so the Gamma may not be practical if it is easy to break.

 

[glxtrix]

The gamma is impossible to break. It is long though. So if you're looking for compact, you may want to look at another brand. The T5 bulb is in a quartz sleeve and that is screwed into a nice piece of UV resistant PVC. So I guess you "could" break it, but you'd have to start swinging at things to do so, lol.

 

[glxtrix]

Ah ok you're talking about the quartz sleeve....sure I guess it could break, but thats only if you're not careful with it when cleaning. I clean my UV every few months to make sure there is no build up on the sleeve so it's always on it's game....never had an issue yet.

 

[nickskains]

I run the 25w Gamma on my tank and it does a really good job. And its fairly easy to move around if you needed to do so.

 

[budsreef]

Ok, so the Gamma is not totally out of consideration. I was looking at the two above because of size as well since they are more compact.

 

[roland jacques]

T-5 Current Gamma is a great value. The Gamma uses lamps of good quality with positive testing results ( not all UV lamps are the same)

I would not get the Odyssey for I've seen the UV lamp eat right through the odyssey's casing, = big leak issues.

 

[budsreef]

Lee or Ares, can you give me the specs on the 40W Gamma as far as length and what connections it uses?

Nick, same question for the 25W?

 

[fish scales2]

This gives you specs on each model from current.

http://www.current-usa.com/gammauvaquarium.html">http://www.current-usa.com/gammauvaquarium.html</a>

Bud I think you will be pleased with there diminsions and ease of moving from system to system.

 

[schwaggs]

I have the Gamma 25W, it has been rock-solid for the 3 years I have been running it. I got mine at the Dr. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4393+11472&pcatid=11472">http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+4393+11472&pcatid=11472</a>

If I had it to do over again, I would have went with the 40W for only a few bucks more.

 

[budsreef]

Thanks, I actually saw that but couldn't believe the 40W has a 2" slip connection and was really 3 feet long.

Fish Scales2;293829 wrote: This gives you specs on each model from current.

http://www.current-usa.com/gammauvaquarium.html">http://www.current-usa.com/gammauvaquarium.html</a>

Bud I think you will be pleased with there diminsions and ease of moving from system to system.[/QUOTE]

 

[weaglereefer]

ares;293847 wrote: though I did swing it around once, and that ended badly, so be careful with it

Practicing for your own Star Wars Kid video?

 

[glxtrix]

Hahahahahahahahhaha!


Yeah bud, it is a bit long....but the main thing with UV's is the reaction time. If I had the money I would have gone with Emperor Aquatics, they make a similar unit to the current, but it's like the caddy version. A bit longer, better options with bulbs and the steeper price tag I think i picked my 40W up for 200 shipped...Live aquaria has them at a great price now...$183.98 with tax and shipping

 

[budsreef]

Ha! Too much information. :shout: Not exactly convincing me that this would be the right one to get.

ares;293916 wrote: I have it held up under a counter by some zip ties. well I was doing something else in the area... and guess I leaned on it, and broke a zip tie, fell down and shattered inside the case. the bulb was fine, but sleeve was in bits.

pain cause I had JUST bought the sleeve replacement since I got it without a sleeve from another person that broke theirs.

then I bought my 2nd sleeve to replace that one. put it in, and trying to get it in I chipped the top of it... yeesh, it is delicate. ended up ducttaping the chip in place lol. luckily is working so I dont worry about it.

 

[budsreef]

Ok, guys thanks for all the inputs, I just ordered the 40W Gamma from Sam at Aquabuys.

 

[nickskains]

You should be pleased with it. They are built well and can be setup about 2 or 3 different ways. I have mine horizontal with a mag2 pumping from my equipment section in my sump to my fuge. I wanted to stand it up but the room under my stand prevented me from doing so. As most current stuff if you have any issues they will take care of it. So thats a good thing. Hopefully you wont need to use it but its there if needed.

 

[budsreef]

Is there a recommended flow rate for them? The 40W Gamma is rated at max of 2800 gph but I can't think of any reason to have that high of flow going through it.

 

[glxtrix]

Yeah the slower the better.....if you're wanting it to kill all the nasties. I too run about 100gph through mine.