Lampe UV pour aquarium : choisir le remplacement

Aquarium planté avec filtre extérieur et clarificateur UV fermé dans le meuble

Does your aquarium UV clarifier need a new lamp? Select the part based on the device and its version, then verify the wattage, the base type, and the reference number. The volume of the aquarium is used to size a complete piece of equipment; it cannot, on its own, be used to find its replacement bulb.

This distinction avoids much hesitation. A UV-C lamp does not replace tank lighting and should not be installed freely in the water. It operates within a device designed to contain its radiation and circulate water under specific conditions.

Planted aquarium with external filter and UV clarifier enclosed in the cabinet — Illustration of equipment external to the tank. The actual assembly must follow the manual for your filter and clarifier.

UV-C and lighting: two different uses

Lighting allows you to observe the aquarium and contributes to the needs of plants depending on the chosen spectrum and power. A UV-C clarifier treats the water passing through its chamber. Its lamp remains enclosed in a protective housing.

Therefore, do not look for a UV tube simply because it is close in length to your light bar. Decorative lamps, plant lights, and UV-C lamps serve different functions.

If your device is integrated into the filter, consult the reference of this filter and its parts list. If it is an independent module connected by hoses, take the information from that module. The brand of the aquarium may be different from that of the clarifier.

Information to note before ordering

The brand and full name of the clarifier.
The reference of the device and, if available, its serial number.
The reference number on the old lamp.
The wattage of the lamp, which is distinct from any total power consumption.
The type of base and the pin arrangement.
The total length, used as a supplementary check.

Photograph the label first without dismantling the device. To access the lamp, unplug the relevant equipment and follow the procedure in the manual. Work in a dry area on a stable surface, with a place to set down fragile parts.

A range name alone may be insufficient. Manufacturers update their devices, sometimes while keeping a very similar trade name. The correct manual is the one that corresponds to the version you own.

Why the serial number can make a difference

The EHEIM reeflexUV documentation presents several manuals depending on the series, including versions with G23 and 2G7 bases. This case shows why a search by name and wattage can still leave ambiguity.

The parts catalog may show several lamps on the same range page. Read the series restrictions and the corresponding exploded view before selecting the product.

Never force a lamp that does not seat normally in its holder. Do not modify the pins or the base to adapt a part. A mechanical incompatibility is a signal to re-verify the reference.

Example: the OASE 7 W lamp, reference 57111

The manufacturer's page for the ClearTronic 7 W, reference 43177, mentions the OASE 57111 replacement lamp. This reference is offered on Aquishop under the title UV-C Replacement Lamp 7 W.

OASE UV-C 7 W replacement lamp, reference 57111 — For the ClearTronic 7 W in question, the link between device and part is based on the manufacturer's reference.

This specific match does not mean that the lamp is suitable for all 7 W aquarium clarifiers. A device from another brand or intended for another market may use a different part.

When buying second-hand, also check the voltage and version of the complete device. Do not assume that a model bearing the same name abroad necessarily has the same components.

Where to install the clarifier after replacement?

Maintain the assembly planned by the manufacturer. The ClearTronic manual consulted provides for indoor use and a device placed outside the aquarium, connected to the water circuit. The word "aquarium" in its name does not mean its housing can be submerged.

The order of elements depends on the equipment. The EHEIM reeflexUV manual provides for installation on the filter's return circuit or with a separate circulation pump. This indication should not be turned into a rule applicable to all brands.

Keep the device accessible to remove the lamp and maintain the quartz. A cramped installation at the bottom of a cabinet, without space to dismantle, makes every maintenance task more complicated. Hoses must remain properly secured, without kinks or strain on the fittings.

Flow rate matters as much as the condition of the lamp

The contact time in the chamber depends on the flow rate. Manufacturers may advertise different flow rates depending on the goal, for example, reducing water cloudiness or certain suspended microorganisms.

Do not rely solely on the maximum flow rate printed on your filter. The actual flow rate depends on the setup, clogging, and the circuit. Compare the configuration to the UV's recommendations without arbitrarily reducing the circulation necessary for the filter.

If your installation has changed since the last replacement, re-evaluate the circuit. Adding a more powerful filter or modifying the hoses can change the operating conditions of the clarifier.

What the new lamp can improve — and controls to continue

A properly sized UV can help control certain issues related to suspended organisms. EHEIM specifies that its device acts as a supplement to the filter and that bacteria fixed in the filter and substrate do not pass through the UV chamber.

Biological water quality, however, requires its own checks. The OATA reminds us that the transformation of ammonia and nitrites depends on the filtration microorganisms. Visually clear water does not prove that these parameters are satisfactory.

Therefore, continue the tests adapted to your aquarium and regular maintenance. A lamp change does not replace monitoring ammonia, nitrites, pH, or the specific needs of the fish.

If fish are breathing abnormally, remaining lethargic, or showing lesions, seek the cause with a competent professional. The UV does not allow for a diagnosis nor does it replace a prescribed treatment.

Replacement: follow the manual, without testing uncovered

The procedure varies depending on the construction of the clarifier. Unplug before opening, let cool if necessary, and handle the lamp by the designated parts. Protect the glass from marks and shocks.

Inspect the quartz sleeve and accessible seals. A deposit can limit radiation transmission; a crack or a leak must be corrected before returning to service. Use authorized parts and maintenance methods.

After reassembly, restore water circulation and check for leaks before powering the UV, according to the sequence provided for your model. Never operate the lamp outside of its closed and intact housing. The opening safety device must remain in place.

The ClearTronic manual consulted specifies replacement after 8,000 hours at the latest for the models concerned. Keep the duration specific to your device in your maintenance logs; a deadline from another manufacturer should not be applied automatically.

UV, medication, and bacteria additives

Before a treatment in the aquarium, read the instructions for the product and the device. Some treatments require stopping the UV. The JBL ProCristal manual notably points out that radiation can degrade medicinal substances.

For the addition of bacteria, respect the instructions of the preparation used. There is no standard shutdown period to copy automatically for all products. Specify the brand of the product and that of the clarifier if you ask for advice.

After any intervention, check that the equipment has returned to the expected operation and that the filter remains properly supplied with water.

Keep the references for the next maintenance

Note the date of replacement, the lamp reference, and the device number in a single document. A photo of the box is often enough to keep the useful information.

Place the used lamp in protective packaging and take it to an appropriate collection point. In Belgium, Recupel information helps to find instructions for lamps and collection points.