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Hi

I'm thinking of getting the Jabao UV Sterilizer 18 watt pictured here. I've googled the brand, but didn't come up with much. Does anyone have experience with these ones. Are they easy to clean and are they ok?

I especially wanted one with an electronic ballast, and this one doesn't mention it in the specs - so I assumed it doesn't have this. However, my favourite on line LFS is recommending this one to me and told me it does have an electronic ballast. It's not that I doubt his truthfulness - he is very honest, but I wonder if he's making a mistake. Wouldn't the add mention an electronic ballast?

Can anyone confirm whether it does (or does not) have one? Thanks in advance.



Cheers
TW

Robin, I use UV on most of my tanks. So I will give you my opinion and maybe that will help you. First I use the the twist UV's because more water comes in contact with the light longer with that design, second you said you are looking for a ballast on them, I never see one with a ballast as the light never goes off, it on all the time. My only concern with the unit you re looking at is the availability of replacement bulb as they need to be replaced every 12months. Is it easy to get access to because depending on you water you have to open them up to clean the glass sleeve of build up every month. UV are a great addition to any canister filter system and will make you water crystal clear, and I never get ick in any tank with them installed. I hope I gave you some info that you can use or maybe something more to think about

Djrichie
"So Long, and Thanks For All The Fish" Douglas Adams

Hi djrichie

Thanks for the response.

The ones with electronic ballast are meant to give 50% more bulb life. That's probably an exaggeration, but the life is extended. I don't know if the earlier UV pictured above twists or not. Most that I see do, but that has no internal type pic. As far as prices in Aus go, it is on the cheap side, so I'm a little iffy about it. I'm considering this one pictured below. Definitely twists & has the electronic ballast. Might be too tall for my cabinet though, at 585mm high. Have to check out the hoses & how they fit before I decide. Otherwise, there is a 15W version, which will fit fine.

http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l128/TankWatcher/UV2_pic.jpg

I can get replacement bulbs for both units from the on-line LFS.

Anyone have any experience with this brand? Or even any experience with the UV above too would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Cheers
TW