Review on AquaUltraviolet Advantage 2000 Inline Barb by Kara Smith

This is an overview of the general build quality and design. The device was returned unplugged, so I can't say if it works (but hopefully it works, hence three stars, not one). Some parts of the plastic case are quite fragile and damaged. 1) The translucent cap had a tear under the teflon tape. The teflon tape doesn't seem to serve any purpose at all (other than to hide the defect), since there shouldn't be water under this joint. The quartz sleeve (glass tube) is "permanently" fitted into the main body through a very tight purple rubber seal. This connection cannot be adjusted/tightened and this 'gasket' is the only thing preventing water from entering the circuit. Although it feels very tight, I don't like the idea of water getting on the electrics. And while there's no nut to tighten the connection, I'm not sure it will be watertight in the long run. I would not incorporate this type of connection into my water supply networks. 2) I also don't see how to clean the quartz sleeve or the inside of the unit as a whole, or do any maintenance other than replacing the lamp. I've tried pulling the sleeve out but it seems impossible and I didn't want to risk breaking it. I wouldn't be surprised if it actually stuck to that purple pad. 3) Two small balls roll freely in the UV lamp. There are also visible rust/burn marks on both ends under the blue caps. All in all I think I got a used/refurbished unit. I think the lamp should work fine as long as the device you receive is intact, but the design flaws (impossible to clean) are too much of a compromise for a $125 premium product. After a year, if it doesn't fry your tank, you'll have to replace it with a new block. I'll try my luck with their classic block and see what happens. It's more money, but I'll see if it's worth it.