Aqua UV Classic 40W 2" White — 325 Gal Saltwater UV Sterilizer - Aqua Ultraviolet

Aqua UV Classic 40 Watt White 2" UV Sterilizer — Bacterial Control for Marine Aquariums up to 325 Gallons

The Aqua Ultraviolet Classic 40 Watt ultraviolet sterilizer in a white housing offers superior power for large-capacity marine aquariums and freshwater ponds. Founded in 1975, Aqua Ultraviolet is a recognized leader in UV sterilization for aquariums. This model with 2-inch inlet/outlet in a white finish integrates easily into your sump's return plumbing thanks to its quick-disconnect union fittings. Also available in a black housing.

The 40-watt germicidal UV lamp emits radiation at 254 nm which destroys the DNA and RNA of single-celled organisms, preventing their reproduction. The streamlined housing maximizes the dwell time between water and UV light for a 99.9% elimination rate. Aqua Ultraviolet calculates and publishes its flow rates at 30,000 µw/cm² at the end of the lamp's life (14 months), meaning no flow adjustment is needed throughout the lamp's lifespan. Compared to the 25W model, the Classic 40W treats more than double the volume in saltwater (325 gal vs 150 gal), making it the ideal choice for medium to large reef aquariums.

Technical Specifications

• Power: 40 watts, 1 UV lamp
• Inlet/Outlet: 2" slip with quick-disconnect unions
• Dimensions: 36-7/8" x 3-3/4" x 6" (93.7 x 9.5 x 15.2 cm)
• Weight: 7 lb (3.2 kg)
• Power Supply: 120V / 60Hz, 0.48 amps, external transformer
• Lamp Life: 14 months continuous use
• Housing Color: White
• Wiper: Not included (non-wiper model)

Treatment Capacities

• Freshwater (sterilizer): 1,200 to 2,000 gallons — max flow 2,900 GPH at 30,000 µw/cm²
• Freshwater (clarifier): up to 6,000 gallons with 50-75% plant coverage
• Saltwater (sterilizer): up to 325 gallons — flow 967 GPH at 90,000 µw/cm²

Recommended Flow Rates based on UV Dose

• 30,000 µw/cm² (EOL): 2,900 GPH (max flow)
• 45,000 µw/cm² (EOL): 1,930 GPH
• 60,000 µw/cm² (EOL): 1,450 GPH
• 75,000 µw/cm² (EOL): 1,160 GPH
• 90,000 µw/cm² (EOL): 967 GPH (min flow)

Use in Reef Aquariums

For a reef aquarium with corals and live rock, use this sterilizer at a flow rate corresponding to 30,000 or 45,000 µw/cm². Higher flow rates (75,000 or 90,000 µw/cm²) would destroy planktonic food needed by the reef. For a fish-only marine aquarium (no reef or live rock), flow rates at 75,000 or 90,000 µw/cm² are recommended for maximum disease control. All UV dosages are calculated at the end of the lamp's life (14 months).

Installation and Maintenance

Install the sterilizer after the filter or skimmer for optimal efficiency. The unit is not submersible and is suitable for indoor or outdoor use. The UV-stabilized white housing is weather-resistant and blends into light installations. The transparent blue cap allows for visual verification that the lamp is on without exposure to UV-C rays. Lamp replacement is easy thanks to the EZ Twist Cap accessible from one side. Aqua Ultraviolet recommends changing the lamp after 14 months of continuous use and regularly cleaning the quartz sleeve to maintain optimal UV transmission.

Important: Aqua Ultraviolet does not recommend the use of the wiper in saltwater. Using the wiper in saltwater voids the warranty on wiper parts. This model comes without a wiper.

Warranty

Limited lifetime warranty on the white housing, 1 year on the transformer, and 12-month prorated warranty on the lamp (quartz sleeve is excluded from warranty).

Included in the Box

White housing, transformer, 40W UV lamp, and quartz sleeve — ready to install.

Why choose at ReefSolution

ReefSolution offers the Aqua UV Classic 40W white sterilizer with fast shipping across Canada. Complete your setup with:

• Aqua Ultraviolet Classic 40W Replacement Lamp (A20040) — 40-watt replacement UV lamp
• Aqua Ultraviolet Classic Quartz Sleeve — Replacement quartz sleeve for maintenance
• Sicce Syncra Silent — Compatible silent return pump to power the sterilizer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Aqua UV Classic 25W and 40W for a marine aquarium?

The Classic 25W treats up to 150 gallons of saltwater while the Classic 40W treats up to 325 gallons. For a reef aquarium larger than 150 gallons, the 40W model is the appropriate choice. The 40W also offers a higher maximum flow rate (2,900 GPH vs 1,200 GPH), making it compatible with more powerful return pumps.

How often should the UV lamp of the Aqua UV Classic 40W be changed?

Aqua Ultraviolet recommends replacing the lamp after 14 months of continuous use. This is the longest lifespan in the industry. The published flow rates are calculated at the end of the lamp's life, so no adjustment is required during this period.

Can the Aqua Ultraviolet 40W white UV sterilizer be used in a reef aquarium?

Yes, the Classic 40W is ideal for reef aquariums up to 325 gallons. For a reef, use a flow rate corresponding to 30,000 or 45,000 µw/cm² to preserve planktonic food. Clean the quartz sleeve more frequently in saltwater to prevent salt deposits.