Turbo-Twist UV Sterilizers

Chad-Man · #1 02/02/2006, 12:30 AM

Does anyone have any experience with this brand of UV sterilizers, because I am thinking of purchasing one?

Blown 346 · #2 02/02/2006, 12:37 AM

I have heard nothing but good things about them. They seem to to do a very good job at working.

Marinworld · #3 02/02/2006, 12:54 AM

Seals in UV go bad, and unit takes on water. This is a consistent problem with these.

Stay away, for long term use.

Marinworld

Chad-Man · #4 02/02/2006, 01:05 AM

Then what brand do you suggest Marinworld?

jdieck · #5 02/02/2006, 01:36 AM

My trusted one is Aqua Ultraviolet although not the cheapest.

EmergencyDpt · #6 02/02/2006, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marinworld
Seals in UV go bad, and unit takes on water. This is a consistent problem with these.

Stay away, for long term use.

Marinworld

I wish you wouldn't have said that. Mine's working fine after four months. Knock on wood. I'll let EVERYONE know if it goes bad.

reg828 · #7 02/02/2006, 05:22 AM

i just installed one, in its working really good. i have no problem so far. i just got the 18 watts . i really wanted the 36 watt. you know the bigger the better. and if you want to control parasites, you need a slow gph from your powerhead. if ur going to use the 36 watts the max gallon per hour i think is 250.

Ten33 · #8 02/02/2006, 10:18 AM

Mine leaked, and it actually caused minor shocking when I touched the surface water. A buddy had the same exact problem...I used some silicone and resealed the bulb housing and I have not had any problems since then...

blmeier7 · #9 02/02/2006, 01:32 PM

I have had my 18w for about 6 months with no problems yet.

scuba4ever · #10 02/02/2006, 01:49 PM

I have been using mine for the past 7 months now, no problems

jdieck · #11 02/02/2006, 02:58 PM

Great you are having no problems but as part of the regular maintenance insure to make a trough inspection for cracked wires or seals, plugs and contacts. Most of the times a potential problem is very difficult to detect until the fail is complete. I would disasemble it at least every 3 months as if I were to replace the bulb and check for potential leaking packing or corroded bulb pins or socket as well as clean the internals. These have a tendency to "fog" the reflective and or transparent surfaces that separate the water from the bulb or accumulate detritus or Calcium deposits that reduces the performance significantly so regular cleaning is imperative.

johnjjk · #12 02/02/2006, 03:08 PM

I had a Turbo Twist for over 2 years and it works perfectly!!

Chad-Man · #13 02/02/2006, 03:08 PM

For you guys that have had problems, do you have the 9, 18, or 36 watt sterilizer?

azeli73 · #14 02/02/2006, 03:09 PM

This is good information as I'm thinking of purchasing the same item for my 85g. Where do you purchase yours? And who has the best price?

Chad-Man · #15 02/02/2006, 03:24 PM

Drsfostersmith.com currently has the 18W on sale for 99.99 and the 36W for 129.99. I am thinking of getting the 18W. I trust Drsfostersmith.com's customer service and have ordered multiple times from them.

azeli73 · #16 02/02/2006, 03:32 PM

You're right. When I froogle it, Drsfostersmith.com shows as the lowest. Sometimes you get lucky and others will tell you of a place that can do better. Does it come with a bulb or do you have to buy that separtate? Sorry I'm thread jacking here...

Chad-Man · #17 02/02/2006, 03:35 PM

One bulb is included and their bulbs are on sale too, so I will probably grab an extra one if I purchase one.

Chad-Man · #18 02/02/2006, 05:36 PM

Anyone else have any experience with the turbo-twist?

Lakeside518 · #19 02/02/2006, 06:40 PM

I have an 18w Turbo-twist with no probs. It is usually highly recommended. 1st I have heard of any probs with it.

Could do a search on them. Then again search by non paying members is usually hard to come by.

Chad-Man · #20 02/02/2006, 08:14 PM

Thanks guys for your input, I have decided to get to the 18W for my 125 gallon.

fade2black · #21 02/02/2006, 08:54 PM

I just purchased an 18W for my 70G cube. I believe about 30% of the hype on message boards (all of them, not just RC) as the products that usually come "highly recommended" are the most expensive ones. Just my opinion and things I have noticed over the years. If it accomplishes what you want, then it was a good purchase for you.