Oase 18 watt REPLACEMENT UV Bulb
Replacement 18-watt UVC bulb for OASE UV clarifiers and pressurized filters. This genuine OASE UVC bulb eliminates green water and controls algae by destroying single-celled algae as water passes through your UV unit or filter.
Key Features:
- Official OASE 18W replacement UVC bulb
- Eliminates green water caused by suspended algae
- Controls algae growth for crystal-clear water
- Easy to replace with quick-release ballast design
- Long-life UVC technology
Why Replace UVC Bulbs:
- UVC output diminishes over time, even if the bulb still lights up
- After 8,000-10,000 hours (approximately one season), effectiveness drops significantly
- Old bulbs won't eliminate green water or control algae effectively
- Annual replacement ensures optimal algae control
- Recommended replacement: Every spring at the start of pond season
Compatible With:
- OASE Vitronic 18 UV Clarifier (model #56455)
- OASE FiltoClear 3000 Pressurized Filter (model #40346)
What's Included:
- 1 genuine OASE 18-watt UVC replacement bulb
Note: This 18W bulb fits both the Vitronic 18 standalone UV clarifier and the FiltoClear 3000 pressurized filter. Make sure your unit uses an 18W bulb before ordering. Check your model number or the wattage marked on your old bulb to confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I replace my 18W UVC bulb?
A: UVC bulbs should be replaced annually, typically at the start of the pond season in spring. Even though the bulb may still light up and appear to be working, the UVC output diminishes significantly after about 8,000-10,000 hours of use (roughly one season of operation). After this time, the bulb won't effectively kill algae or eliminate green water, even though it's still glowing. Replacing the bulb each spring ensures you have maximum algae-fighting power for the upcoming season.
Q: My bulb still lights up—do I really need to replace it?
A: Yes! This is a common misconception. The visible light you see is not the same as the UVC light that kills algae. UVC is invisible to the human eye and operates at a specific wavelength (254 nanometers) that damages algae DNA. Over time, the UVC output degrades while the visible light remains. So your bulb can look perfectly fine and still be ineffective at controlling algae. If you're experiencing green water despite your bulb lighting up, it's likely time for replacement.
Q: How do I know if this 18W bulb fits my unit?
A: This 18W bulb fits the OASE Vitronic 18 UV clarifier and the FiltoClear 3000 pressurized filter. Check your unit's model number, which is usually printed on a label on the unit. You can also check the wattage marked on your old bulb—if it says 18W, this is the correct replacement. The Vitronic 18 features a quick-release ballast that makes bulb replacement fast and easy. If you have a different OASE UV unit or filter, or a different wattage bulb (like 9W, 36W, etc.), you'll need a different replacement bulb. If you're unsure, contact us with your model number or a photo.