SMART UV Sterilizers deliver optimum protection against harmful aquarium pathogens, are watertight and safe to operate both indoor and outdoor. Each SMART UV Sterilizer is constructed of heavy wall, UV resistant plastic that increases durability and longevity. SMART UV Sterilizers are designed around it's lamp length and UV output, maximizing the contact time between the target microorganism (algae, bacteria, protozoa, etc...) and the UV lamp. Only SMART UV's offer a safe, watertight UL and cUL listed design.
Please compare our SMART UV Sterilizer design and information to any other aquarium UV competitor, we encourage the validation of information. If you want to purchase the best UV Sterilizer for your aquarium, consider this: Durability and features aside, SMART UV Sterilizer models are supported by a customer service team that's second to none. That level of quality is apparent in the long list of public aquariums, research facilities and fish hatcheries that rely on Emperor Aquatics UV equipment.
SMART UV Sterilizer models are available with union inlet/outlet ports and optional quartz sleeve wipers. Wiper models recommended for FRESHWATER APPLICATIONS ONLY!
SMART UV Sterilizer Specifications - Body Dia 3" |
Model No./
Watts |
Maximum Aquarium Size |
No. Lamps/
Watts |
Water Flow Rate
Algae & Bacteria
30,000 µWs/cm²
Suggested/Maximum |
Water Flow Rate
Protozoa
180,000 µWs/cm²
Suggested/Maximum |
Input Watts |
UV-C Output Watts |
Dimensions (inches) |
Inlet/
Outlet |
Input Voltage |
| 25 |
130
Gallons |
1/25 |
472 GPH/788 GPH |
79 GPH/131 GPH |
25 |
8 |
29" x 3.5" |
1.5" Union |
120 VAC 50/60Hz |
| 40 |
260
Gallons |
1/40 |
943 GPH/1,574 GPH |
157 GPH/262 GPH |
40 |
14 |
43.75" x 3.5" |
1.5" Union |
120 VAC 50/60Hz |
| 65 |
480
Gallons |
1/65 |
1,710 GPH/2,855 GPH |
285 GPH/476 GPH |
65 |
25 |
70.5" x 3.5" |
1.5" Union |
120 VAC 50/60Hz |
| 80 |
530
Gallons |
2/40 |
1,885 GPH/3,148 GPH |
314 GPH/525 GPH |
80 |
28 |
44.5" x 15.5" |
1.5" Union |
120 VAC 50/60Hz |
| 130 |
960
Gallons |
2/65 |
3,420 GPH/5,711 GPH |
570 GPH/952 GPH |
130 |
50 |
71.5" x 15.5" |
1.5" Union |
120 VAC 50/60Hz |
*Suggested flow rates are based on "end of lamp's useful life" performance (80% power)
*Maximum flow rates are based on new lamp output (100% power)
*Flow rates consider 90% UV transmissibility
*UV Housing carries a lifetime warranty against UV degradation and manufacturing defects.
- All SMART UV Sterilizers are watertight
(providing that all SMART UV INSTRUCTIONS are followed correctly).
- Durable, heavy-wall construction increases product longevity and delivers many years of trouble-free operation. SMART UV Sterilizers are generally larger in size to provide a greater UV exposure area. They
also utilize the UV Lamp's Arc Length and UV-C output to its maximum potential by positioning the UV Lamp(s) entirely between the inlet/outlet ports.
- All SMART UV Sterilizer models feature our highest quality, longest-lasting GPH T5 & T6 UV Lamps. They're made of chemically treated Hard Quartz "L" Glass (non-ozone emitting) to prevent nitrogen by-product deposits that can result in a significant loss of UV Transmittance through the UV Lamp's glass envelope
and quartz sleeve. All of our UV Lamps deliver an impressive 9,000 hours of continual operation while still maintaining 80% efficiency.
- Easy-to-operate Quartz Sleeve/UV Lamp Power Assembly design allows for the removal of the entire
Power Assembly for easy cleaning of the glass and the interior of the UV Sterilizer housing.
- Exclusive SMART Ballast delivers precise input wattage to the lamp, maximizing UV-C output and UV Lamp life. SMART Ballasts are positioned remotely on the "19.5 ft. power cord", away from the UV Sterilizer housing, to increase overall safety. SMART Ballasts are sealed and resist water damage in the event of a quartz sleeve failure.
- Clear viewing ports are positioned at both ends of the UV Sterilizer housing for safe internal inspection during operation.
- Optional Quartz Sleeve Wipers allow for easy removal of soft waste deposits without interrupting UV Lamp operation. Sterilizer and HO models feature our one-piece power/wiper assembly that simplifies servicing.
NOTE: All UV Sterilizer gaskets and o-rings must be replaced annually to ensure a watertight seal.
What is UV Sterilization?
The Emperor Aquatics Approach to Successful UV Sterilization
Successful UV Sterilization lies in the details! Science combined with established engineering guidelines. Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization is unmatched in its efficiency, simplicity and dependability when applied as a microorganism disinfectant. Understanding the science (the effect that UV-C light has over a living microorganism) is only the beginning. Learning and following the established engineering guidelines provides control and an objective to achieving successful germicidal disinfection.
The Object of UV Sterilization
To render unwanted or harmful waterborne microorganism's incapable of reproducing using ultraviolet light (specifically the spectral area of UV-C). Ultraviolet light is a spectrum of light just below the range visible to the human eye (see "Light Spectrum" chart). UV light is divided into four distinct spectral areas and they are Vacuum UV (100-200 nm), UV-C (200-800 nm), UV-B (289-315 nm) and UV-A (315-400 nm). These spectral areas are very specific. UV-C (200-280 nm) is the most lethal range as a germicidal disinfectant (capable of altering a living microorganism's DNA, keeping it from reproducing). UV-C, with 264 nanometers being the peak germicidal wavelength, is known as the germicidal spectrum.
UV Sterilizations Benefit & Limitations
It is critical to first identify the microorganism! Each type of microorganism requires a specific UV-C radiation exposure rate to successfully complete the disinfection process. The targeted microorganism must be directly exposed to the UV-C radiation long enough for the radiation to penetrate the microorganism's cell wall. However, it takes only seconds for UV-C light rays to inactivate waterborne microorganisms by breaking through the microorganism's cell wall and disrupting their DNA. This often totally destroys the organism or at the very least, will impair its ability to reproduce.
Benefits
Germicidal disinfection (directly exposing microorganisms to UV-C light) is unmatched by ozone or chlorine for simplicity and safety. Chlorine/bromine leaves a residual in the water that can irritate the skin and eye tissue of mammals, reptiles and birds. Ozone, if not measured and controlled properly, is capable of causing severe tissue damage, even death with fish and invertebrates. In contrast, UV treatment only takes place inside the UV exposure chamber and leaves no residual downstream, and therefore is harmless to the animals in the pond. UV sterilization is a proven solution to waterborne pathogens, viruses, algae, bacteria and protozoa commonly associated with aquatic re-circulating systems.
Limitations
UV sterilization treatment takes place inside the UV exposure housing. Exposure time between the waterborne microorganism and the UV-C light is critical in achieving successful UV disinfection. The condition of the application's water will determine how well the UV-C light penetrates through it (UV transmittance). UV-C is absorbed by the targeted microorganism or by other organic waterborne particles, it is for this reason that UV equipment should be positioned after the mechanical filter, where it receives solids-free water.
4 Steps to SMART UV Sterilization Success
Using a UV Sterilizer successfully begins with:
- Identifying the "Target Microorganism" (example: Waterborne Algae)
- Identifying the Target Microorganism's required UV Dose (example: 22,000 µWs/cm²)
- Receiving Accurate UV Flow Rate Information from the Manufacturer
- Selecting the correct UV model that delivers the required UV dose at your application's flow rate