Aqua UV Classic 57W 2" White — 355 Gal Saltwater Compact UV Sterilizer - Aqua Ultraviolet

Aqua UV Classic 57 Watt White 2" UV Sterilizer — Bacterial Control for Marine Aquariums up to 355 Gallons

The Aqua Ultraviolet Classic 57 Watt UV sterilizer in a white housing is the most powerful model in the Classic series in a compact format. It eliminates single-celled algae, pathogenic bacteria, and protozoa in large marine aquariums and freshwater ponds. Founded in 1975, Aqua Ultraviolet is a recognized leader in UV sterilization for aquariums. This model with 2-inch input/output in a white finish easily integrates into your sump's return plumbing thanks to its quick-disconnect union fittings. Also available in a black housing.

The 57-watt germicidal UV lamp uses the same compact format as the 25W model (17-3/8" lamp length) but delivers significantly higher UV power. The streamlined housing maximizes the dwell time between water and UV light for a 99.9% removal 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 rate adjustment is needed for the entire lamp life. The transparent blue cap allows visual verification that the lamp is on without exposure to UV-C rays.

Technical Specifications

• Power: 57 watts, 1 UV lamp
• Inlet/Outlet: 2" slip with quick-disconnect unions
• Dimensions: 20" x 3-3/4" x 6" (50.8 x 9.5 x 15.2 cm)
• Weight: 7 lb (3.2 kg)
• Power Supply: 120V / 60Hz, external transformer
• Lamp Life: 14 months continuous use
• Housing Color: White
• Wiper: Not included (non-wiper model)

Treatment Capacities

• Freshwater (sterilizer): 1,500 to 3,000 gallons — max flow 3,200 GPH at 30,000 µw/cm²
• Freshwater (clarifier): up to 6,500 gallons with 50-75% plant coverage
• Saltwater (sterilizer): up to 355 gallons — flow 1,066 GPH at 90,000 µw/cm²

Recommended Flow Rates by UV Dose

• 30,000 µw/cm² (EOL): 3,200 GPH (max flow)
• 45,000 µw/cm² (EOL): 2,133 GPH
• 60,000 µw/cm² (EOL): 1,600 GPH
• 75,000 µw/cm² (EOL): 1,280 GPH
• 90,000 µw/cm² (EOL): 1,066 GPH (min flow)

Usage 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 the planktonic food necessary for the reef. For a fish-only marine aquarium (without 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 end of lamp life (EOL) — no flow adjustment is required during the 14 months of continuous service.

Why choose Aqua UV at ReefSolution

• Aqua Ultraviolet UV Replacement Lamp — annual replacement to maintain the 30,000 µw/cm² germicidal dose.
• Aqua UV Quartz Sleeve Replacement — sleeve replaced every 3-5 years to preserve UV transmission.
• Aqua UV Classic 57W 2" Black — same sterilizer in a black housing when sump aesthetics require it.
• Sicce Syncra 2.0 568 GPH — return pump matched to the recommended reef flow rate (2,133 GPH shared between sterilizer and return).

Frequently asked questions

How often should I change the UV lamp on this sterilizer?

The Aqua UV germicidal lamp is replaced every 14 months of continuous 24/7 use. Aqua Ultraviolet publishes its flow rates at end of lamp life (EOL), so UV performance stays stable throughout the period. Also plan to replace the quartz sleeve every 3 to 5 years to maintain UV-C transmission.

Can I use this UV sterilizer on a reef aquarium with corals?

Yes, provided you calibrate the flow rate to 30,000 or 45,000 µw/cm² (3,200 GPH or 2,133 GPH). Slower flow overexposes the water to UV and destroys the phytoplankton and zooplankton that corals, copepods, and filter-feeding invertebrates feed on. For a pure SPS system, prefer 45,000 µw/cm², which better preserves microfauna.

How do I integrate the Aqua UV Classic UV sterilizer into my sump?

The compact 20 x 6 in housing installs horizontally or vertically as a bypass from the return pump, with 2" slip fittings and quick-disconnect unions. Fit a ball valve upstream to adjust flow to the desired UV dose without overloading the return pump. Free shipping does not apply due to weight and dimensions.