Description
The Aqua Ultraviolet Viper is a UV sterilizer for large ponds. Every Viper lamp is 400 W: the 400 W model has one lamp, the 800 W has two and the 1200 W has three. Each Viper comes with its transformer and flow switch.
Pipe size is the size of the unit's inlet and outlet. The 400 W comes in 120 V or 220 V; the 800 W and 1200 W are 220 V only. Aqua UV's pond and tank sizes are in the table below, but they don't hold on every pipe size, so read the minimum flow section too.
We ship Vipers to Alaska, Hawaii and US territories by freight quote. Call 206-350-7580 before you order.
- Aqua UV's manual says a licensed electrician or contractor must install the unit. A 120 V unit plugs into a 3-prong GFCI outlet. A 220 V unit has to be hardwired into a dedicated 20 amp line.
- The transformer box mounts upright on a wall, at least 4 feet from any dwelling and close enough to reach the unit.
- On 2" units the flow switch is attached. On 3" and larger units it is a separate piece, installed no more than 12" from the unit.
- The flow switch won't turn the unit on until enough water is moving through it. The minimum depends on pipe size (table below).
- Install the unit horizontally, below the return water line, with 12" of straight pipe before and after it. Maximum pressure is 50 PSI.
- Replace the lamp, quartz sleeve and seals every 14 months. Aqua UV's ratings assume a lamp at the end of those 14 months.
- Made in California by Aqua Ultraviolet.
Specifications by wattage
| Model | 400 W | 800 W | 1200 W |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Freshwater pond size (sterilizer) | 14,400 to 30,000 gal | 28,800 to 60,000 gal | 43,200 to 90,000 gal |
| Saltwater tank size | 3,600 gal | 7,200 gal | 10,800 gal |
| Max flow rate at 30,000 µW/cm² | 17,500 GPH | 35,000 GPH | 52,500 GPH |
| Voltage | 120 V or 220 V | 220 V | 220 V |
| Amp draw | 7.60 A at 120 V, 3.25 A at 220 V | 6.5 A | 9.75 A |
| Housing | Plastic or stainless steel | Plastic or stainless steel | Plastic or stainless steel |
| Pipe sizes | 2", 3", 4", 6" | 3", 4", 6" | 3", 4", 6"; 8" in plastic |
Minimum flow by pipe size
Below these flows the flow switch won't turn the unit on. Treat each one as a floor and run more water than that: Aqua UV says the extra flow keeps the flow switch and lamp from overheating. Plumb the full pipe size all the way to the unit. Running below the minimum voids Aqua UV's warranty. These are Aqua UV's current figures (March 2026); older charts that list 95 GPM for every Viper are out of date.
| Pipe size | Minimum flow |
|---|---|
| 2" | 125 GPM (7,500 GPH) |
| 3" | 275 GPM (16,500 GPH) |
| 4" | 480 GPM (28,800 GPH) |
| 6" | 1,100 GPM (66,000 GPH) |
| 8" | 1,900 GPM (114,000 GPH) |
On a 400 W with 4" or 6" pipe, an 800 W with 6" pipe, or a 1200 W with 6" or 8" pipe, the flow needed to switch the unit on is higher than its max flow rate at 30,000 µW/cm², so it treats the water at a lower dose. Aqua UV's pond and tank sizes don't apply to these sizes. Call us at 206-350-7580 before you choose one.
Unit dimensions
In inches, as Aqua UV lists them for units without a wiper.
| Model | 2" | 3" | 4" | 6" | 8" |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 400 W plastic | 17 x 10-1/2 x 19-3/4 | 17 x 5-1/4 x 17 | 9-1/4 x 9 x 18-1/4 | 12 x 11 x 22-7/8 | Not offered |
| 400 W stainless steel | 7 x 10-1/2 x 20 | 8-1/2 x 7-1/2 x 12-7/8 | 10 x 9 x 13-7/8 | 12 x 11 x 20-1/2 | Not offered |
| 800 W plastic | Not offered | 17 x 5-1/4 x 24 | 9-1/4 x 9 x 19-1/2 | 12 x 11 x 24-1/4 | Not offered |
| 800 W stainless steel | Not offered | 8-1/2 x 7-1/2 x 20-3/8 | 10 x 9 x 21-1/8 | 12 x 11 x 29-1/8 | Not offered |
| 1200 W plastic | Not offered | 7 x 5-1/4 x 33 | 9-1/4 x 9 x 24-1/2 | 12 x 11 x 33-5/8 | 14-1/2 x 13-1/2 x 46-7/8 |
| 1200 W stainless steel | Not offered | 8-1/2 x 7-1/2 x 27-5/8 | 10 x 9 x 28-3/4 | 12 x 9 x 36 | Not sold here |
Questions
What fittings does it connect with?
Aqua UV's installation drawings show unions on the 2" and 3" plastic units and flanges on the 6" plastic unit and the 3" and 6" stainless units. For any other size, call us before you order and we'll confirm the fittings.
How do I replace the lamps?
Lamps come in kits, one kit per lamp, on our Viper parts page. An 800 W unit takes two kits and a 1200 W takes three. Order the kit for your pipe size and housing.
Can I use a Viper in salt water?
Yes. Aqua UV rates the Viper for fresh and salt water, and the saltwater tank sizes are in the table above. For a reef tank, Aqua UV recommends 30,000 to 45,000 µW/cm², because higher doses kill the plankton the reef feeds on.
For a fish-only marine system, Aqua UV recommends 75,000 to 90,000 µW/cm² to control fish disease. The 400 W and 800 W can't be set up for that dose, and neither can the 1200 W on 4" pipe or larger: the flow at that dose is below the unit's minimum flow. The 1200 W with 3" pipe can. Aqua UV rates it at 21,000 GPH at 75,000 µW/cm² and 17,500 GPH at 90,000, both above the 16,500 GPH minimum for 3" pipe.
Whatever dose you size for, the flow has to stay above the minimum for your pipe size. The full dose chart is in the manual.
What does the warranty cover?
Aqua UV covers the complete unit for 1 year from purchase or 18 months from manufacture, and gives the housing a limited lifetime warranty against UV damage. The quartz sleeve isn't covered, and lamp coverage is prorated. The warranty is void if the unit isn't on a GFCI, if the flow switch is tampered with, if the minimum flow isn't met or if the unit runs dry.
To validate the warranty, Aqua UV asks you to mail the warranty card that comes with the unit within 10 days of purchase, with a copy of your receipt. Warranty work goes through Aqua UV, not the store you bought from: call Aqua UV at (800) 454-2725 for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number before you send anything back.
Is there a wiper version?
Not anymore. Aqua UV has discontinued wiper Vipers. If you own one, the wiper lamp kits are on our Viper parts page. Aqua UV plans to keep wiper parts available through the end of 2026.
Documents
Installation video
Aqua Ultraviolet's video of a 2" plastic Viper being installed.
Call 206-350-7580 for help sizing or plumbing a Viper.
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