UV users - recommendations re wiper or no-wiper

[Delphinus]

As some of you may know I think I am battling a pathogen of some kind in my system and thus I'm now at the point I'm considering the purchase of a UV sterilizer to continue the pursuit of resolving this issue.

The only thing I know about what to look for in a UV sterilizer is that I've heard "you should get one with a wiper".

I can understand that keeping the unit clean will keep it most effective, so I can thus understand the reasoning for that recommendation.

The problem is the finding of said UV-sterilizer-with-a-wiper. It basically comes down to, if this is an important requirement, it's a different cost category AND it has to be mail-ordered from a US vendor - all the major players north of the border - at least all the ones I deal with - offer UV units without a wiper.

So how important would you say this feature is? Is it worth the hassle of finding one with the wiper or could one just go ahead and live without it?

[Aquattro]

I'd guess you could live without it. If it needs cleaning, then just clean it.

[StirCrazy]

I don't have no stinkin wiper, takes 30 seconds to clean the bulb once and a while.

Steve

[fishoholic]

I don't have no stinkin wiper, takes 30 seconds to clean the bulb once and a while.

Steve

Ditto

[Delphinus]

Ok sounds good. Thanks folks!


(So is it Boxing Day yet???)

[midgetwaiter]

I own a Pentair without a wiper and maintain lots of AquaUV units with wipers. I maybe get around to cleaning my Pentair once every month or so, I find it all to easy to procrastinate on taking the damn thing apart. With the Aqua UVs you give give the wiper a couple pulls and you're done so if you're like me you're more likely to do it regularly. The cleaner the sleeve is the better it works.

Tony, shoot me a pm and I'll see about getting you the boxing day price on it, I can just send it down there with my brother after xmas.

[Razz]

I had run a UV for over 4 years, and each time I pulkled it apart it was relativly clean. Very little build up of any sorts, so I would think that w/o should be fine, I also have to say that I would never run a system without a UV even with all of the debate, I ffound it kept the water chrystal clear and I had few problems with any problem alagaes sickness etc.

[Willito]

For those that are UV, what wattage and gph are you running? State your tank size too.

[Trigger Man]

I'm running the 18watt, with a maxijet 900 on my 125ish gallon tank. No wiper and it stays really clean, basicly the only time I clean it is when I change the bulb about once a year.