Reeflex UV 500

This inline ultraviolet clarifier provides targeted physical water treatment for freshwater and marine aquariums, engineered as an autonomous unit without wireless controls, applications, or networking modules. Its construction combines a robust aluminium housing enclosing an internal glass tube positioned adjacent to a dedicated germicidal lamp. An integrated aluminium reflector directs radiation evenly across the water passage, optimizing exposure throughout the passing fluid column. EHEIM guides the water along a direct path rather than redirecting the flow through restrictive bends or spiral channels. The device does not replace biological or mechanical aquarium filtration, but acts as a dedicated clarifying component that targets free-floating single-celled organisms, algae spores, and biological hazes passing through the reaction chamber. Exact values for electrical wattage, dimensions, hose connectors, and flow limits are cataloged in the separate official fact table.

The clarifier is suitable for planted aquascapes, marine reef systems, breeding tanks, and quarantine installations experiencing suspended green water blooms, floating bacterial turbidity, or elevated microbial concentrations in the water column. Choosing the appropriate unit requires evaluating total tank volume alongside the effective delivery rate of the pump, considering the distinction between optical water clarification and more intensive microbial reduction. The device cannot function as a submersible internal filter, and ultraviolet radiation has no effect on attached algae, substrate deposits, hardscape biofilms, or organisms settled inside the tissues of aquatic animals. Only suspended water-borne organisms that pass directly through the chamber are exposed to radiation, supporting general aquarium management without replacing veterinary diagnosis or targeted treatment. Consult the separate fact table to align system dimensions and recommended flow rates.

The unit operates by directing short-wave ultraviolet radiation emitted by the enclosed germicidal lamp into the water stream flowing along the internal glass tube. As water travels through the chamber, radiation penetrates the liquid while the reflective aluminium body redirects peripheral rays back into the core of the flow. This radiant energy disrupts cellular nucleic acids within suspended microorganisms, preventing reproduction and facilitating the progressive clearing of the water column. EHEIM uses a direct linear flow path rather than redirecting the water stream through complex chambers. Radiant efficiency depends on optical water clarity and contact duration, with slower flow rates providing greater exposure for microbial reduction and higher flow rates serving general water clarification.

This device is compatible with freshwater and marine setups, designed for inline placement on the pressurized discharge line downstream of an external filter or on a dedicated loop driven by an independent circulation pump. Installation on the suction intake line is outside the documented arrangement provided by the manufacturer in the operating manual. Connection to flexible hoses uses hose connectors secured by threaded locking nuts that prevent accidental disconnection under working pressure. The installation must remain within manufacturer thresholds for water temperature and operating pressure, verifying electrical supply compatibility with the external ballast. Permissible hose sizes and complete technical parameters are recorded in the companion data table.

Before fitting connectors, cutting tubing, or performing maintenance, all electrical equipment in and around the aquarium must be unplugged from mains power. The clarifier is mounted securely using the supplied holder, which permits a variable installation position; the operating manual does not prescribe flow direction or specific mounting orientation. Hoses must be pushed fully onto the barbed connectors and fastened firmly with the threaded locking nuts while avoiding kinks, sharp bends, or mechanical tension. The power cord must include an effective drip loop to prevent moisture from reaching the electrical socket. Always start the water pump first, verifying complete seal integrity under pressure, before connecting the lamp to power and observing illumination through the translucent inspection window. The unit must never run dry or without active water flow.

Maintaining reliable performance requires periodic internal cleaning and scheduled lamp replacement. Before opening the housing or carrying out any service, disconnect all electrical power plugs from the mains. An integrated automatic safety switch shuts off power to the lamp whenever the housing is opened for lamp replacement, but this safety cut-off never replaces unplugging the mains power supply. Cleaning is performed by passing the official universal cleaning brush through the internal glass tube, ideally carried out when the aquarium filter is cleaned. The germicidal lamp contains mercury, must never be operated outside the protective housing, and should not be touched with bare fingers to prevent surface contamination. Because ultraviolet radiation output declines over operational hours despite continuing visible blue light, regular lamp renewal with genuine replacement lamps is necessary, disposing of spent bulbs at designated collection facilities.

Key advantages of this clarifier include the direct flow path that guides water straight through without redirection, an internal aluminium reflector that enhances radiation utilization, an automatic power cut-off upon opening, an optical inspection window, and a versatile mounting bracket allowing flexible placement. Important operational limits must be noted: ultraviolet radiation acts strictly within the housing and leaves no residual effect in the aquarium water, meaning attached algae, substrate matter, and beneficial filter bacteria remain untouched. The clarifier functions as a supportive clarity and hygiene device rather than a substitute for proper aquarium filtration or specialized treatments. For genuine part numbers, physical dimensions, and exact hydraulic performance ranges, refer to the official model data table.