Internal, Submersible UV Sterilizer Filter, Pump; Review

Internal (Submersible)UV Sterilizer Filter/Pump Combinations including the newer & better designed 3rd generation SunSun Internal CUP-613 13 Watt & CUP-609 9 Watt UV Pump/Filters



Updated 2-08-12

I have written previous about the poor quality JBJ Submariner and Green Killing Machine earlier in this article/post:
Potential UV Sterilizer Problems, Equipment to Avoid such as Submersible UV Sterilizers/Clarifiers

These first generation Internal UV Filter/Pumps created a lot of excitement (at least among many aquarium maintenance professionals I know), however as these were purchased and then run, their short comings became apparent.
In particular the problem of leakage causing electrical shorts and often destroying the UV, this problem was even more prevalent with the Green Killing Machine and their rather bizarre un-professional phone call to me about my reply to a comment they posted on MY YouTube UV Sterilizer video tells me this is not a company I could recommend.
The Submariner is a slight improvement, however this UV is still not all that well designed in both water flow rate & pattern (resulting only in clarification abilities, not level 1 sterilization), and sealing of the UV Bulb & Quartz Sleeve.

Although still FAR inferior to out of the water, high dwell time UV Sterilizers (such as the TMC Vecton or Advantage or even compact UVs such as the Terminator)); the SunSun Internal UV appears to have finally gotten this great idea reasonably correct!

However the another entry into the field of Internal UVs are still incorrect as per their flow rate; The AquaTop UV Sterilizer Pump 3, 5, 7, & 9 watt are actually no better than the Submariner or similar early generation Internal UVs (please read more about these later in the article).

First the Heavy duty 13 watt and 9 watt UV Pump/Filter design with double O Rings seems to have solved the leakage/UVC short problem (these are the early results I referred to), and the flow pattern/design is also improved over earlier Submariner and similar models.
My only negative is "rated" flow rate, however as per our tests this "rated" flow rate is not the actual flow rate; the actual/adjusted flow is much better for level one UV Sterilization.
The propeller design of the impeller has little head pressure which actually is better for maintaining a flow rate of 25 gph per watt in the vertical configuration (but not good for cirulation of larger aquariums or ponds).

The 13 Watt CUP-613 Pump/Filter Model performed well in initial tests, however the 9 Watt UV CUP-609 Pump/Filter Model uses the same 528 gallons per hour manufacturer rated water pump as the 13 watt model which is simply too high for level 1 UV Sterilization, HOWEVER later tests/adjustments in configuration showed only a 160 gph flow rate in an aquarium in the vertical configuration which is appropriate for level 1 sterilization (9 times 25 = 225 gph or less).
This flow rate also makes more sense based the 6 watt pump motor, however many retailers of this otherwise good product (which is sold under multiple brand names)are marketing these incorrectly due to their poor product knowledge/testing methods.

A few Problems with the new SunSun Internal UV Sterilizer:

*While the SunSun and related exact models sold under different brand names have improved in this area over the Submariner, PH-8/UV-3 3 watt and more; these are still below the level of sterilization when compared to either quality compact UVs or especially the Premium High Dwell Time UVs (such as the before mentioned Vecton & Advantage).

*As well the SunSun and exact models sold under different brand names have improved on the design that prevents electrical shorts, HOWEVER from feedback from my network of aquarium professionals, these still are not as durable as MOST out of water UV Sterilizers.
This said, these are still of a better design as per durability than the earlier generation submersible Internal UV Pump/Filters as well as the plethora in-line submersible UVs such as the basic model SunSun AquaTop and others.

My suggestions/recommendation for the 13 Watt or 9 Watt UV Pump/Filter is this is an reasonably well designed device for water clarification or basic level 1 Sterilization for small ponds or small to medium aquariums, especially for those desiring a simple UV application without the availability of a canister filter or similar to power a standard UV Sterilizer.
HOWEVER for those needing top notch level 1 sterilization and most certainly level 2 sterilization, this new device is not for you (especially in demanding environments or larger ponds/aquariums).
For these applications consider the excellent but economical Terminator UV Sterilizer or for top notch professional applications, the TMC Advantage or Vecton UV Sterilizers.

Also consider where you purchase your new Internal UV Sterilizer Pump (as noted earlier these are sold under many brand names, but made in the same factory), as most retailers selling these have no knowledge of UV Sterilization and will tell you what you want to hear/read and also supply no customer service or product knowledge of use..

These UV Filters Below Should be Avoided!

Unfortunately the vast majority of Inline, Internal, etc UV Sterilizers are not sterilizers at all, only clarifiers.

As an example, SunSun Basic and the AquaTop PH-8/UV-3, 5, 7, & 9 watt Inline UV Sterilizers are not of the more robust filter and UV flow design as the larger SunSun CUP-613 & CUP-609, rather these are simply knock offs of the "cheesie" internal UV flow and over all design of the earlier Internal UV pumps (& sadly still sold by Amazon and Dr. Fosters/Smith).

The low prices of these as well as the Submariner, etc. reflect their ability to only clarify, not sterilize.

As an example, the cheesie UV-3 watt marketed for undergravel filters runs at 158 gph with a 3 watt UV bulb; HOWEVER as per correct Level One UV Sterilization, this would require a flow of UNDER 75 gph to be effective!! (Dwell time is another considerations where these designs fall well shot of anything other than clarification).

If Clarification is all you need, not true level one sterilization or greater for Redox balance, disease control, and fish immunity issues, these above noted filters might be a good choice since these are well under $50, but again if you do your research and need true UV Sterilization, you will need to go with a true UV Sterilizer such as the good Via Aqua Terminators or the top notch premium Vecton or Advantage UV Sterilizers

These along with the earlier previously mentioned JBJ Submariner, Killing Machines, etc. UV Pumps SHOULD BE AVOIDED!


As final note, as with any UV Sterilizer, changing the UV Bulb every six months is important for optimum operation (a must for level 1 sterilization).

By Steven W.