IceCap In-Sump UV Sterilizer - 18 Watt

The IceCap In-Sump UV Sterilizer - 18 Watt is a compact drop-in UV sterilizer for sump and all-in-one aquarium filtration areas where simple installation, matched pump flow, and improved water clarity are priorities. Designed for freshwater and saltwater aquariums, this 18 watt model includes the feed pump required for operation and helps expose passing water to high-output UV light to reduce free-floating algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and parasite pressure in the water column.

Compact IceCap 18W In-Sump UV Overview

Drop-in sump UV without permanent plumbing: The 18 watt IceCap In-Sump UV Sterilizer is built for hobbyists who want UV clarification without hard plumbing an inline sterilizer. The unit sits upright in a stable sump or AIO chamber and uses the included DC-700 feed pump to move water through the UV vessel at a matched flow rate.

Well suited to smaller systems: This model is rated for marine aquariums up to 60 gallons and freshwater systems up to 600 gallons, making it a practical choice for compact sumps, all-in-one aquariums, smaller reef tanks, fish-only systems, and freshwater displays where space is limited but UV support is useful.

Targeted water-column treatment: UV sterilizers work on organisms suspended in the water passing through the unit. They do not sterilize surfaces, rock, substrate, or filter media, which means established beneficial bacteria colonies on surfaces are not directly harmed by normal operation.

18 Watt In-Sump UV Features

• Simple drop-in installation: No permanent plumbing is required, making this unit easier to install than traditional inline UV sterilizers.
• Feed pump included: The matched DC-700 pump is included so the unit can operate as a plug-and-play in-sump UV package.
• High-output UV lamp: The 18W lamp exposes passing water to UV light to help reduce free-floating algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and parasite pressure.
• Compact footprint: The 3.5" x 3.5" body is useful for smaller sump and AIO filtration chambers.
• Freshwater and saltwater use: Suitable for both marine and freshwater aquarium applications when sized and operated correctly.
• Matched flow support: The included pump helps avoid guessing pump size for basic operation.
• Surface-safe biological filtration: UV treatment affects water passing through the sterilizer and will not remove established bacterial colonies from media, substrate, or aquarium surfaces.
• Serviceable lamp and quartz sleeve: The quartz sleeve and lamp can be accessed for inspection and scheduled replacement.

IceCap In-Sump UV Sterilizer - 18 Watt Specifications

• Product type: Drop-in in-sump ultraviolet sterilizer
• Part number: IC-UVR-18INT
• UV power: 18W at 120V
• Freshwater rating: Up to 600 gallons
• Marine rating: Up to 60 gallons
• Dimensions: 3.5" L x 3.5" W x 18.4" H
• Lamp length: 7.3"
• Current: 800mA
• UVC output: 50 uW/cm2
• UVC dose rating: 30 mJ/cm2 / 5W
• Lamp life: 10000 hours
• Included pump: DC-700
• Pump power: 8.5W at 12V
• Maximum pump flow: 185 GPH
• Installation type: Upright in-sump or compatible AIO chamber placement

18W In-Sump UV Compatibility Notes

Not fully submersible: The IceCap In-Sump UV Sterilizer - 18 Watt must be placed so the electrical components remain above the water level, including when the return pump is off and sump water rises. The power supply and ballast must stay dry, protected from splashes, and installed with proper drip loops.

Flow rate changes the UV goal: Faster flow is generally used for bacteria and algae control, while slower flow increases UV exposure time for parasite-focused use. Match flow expectations to the aquarium size, problem being addressed, and manufacturer guidance.

Maintenance affects performance: UV performance declines when the lamp ages or when the quartz sleeve becomes coated with film or mineral deposits. Replace the lamp and quartz sleeve about once per year or around the listed lamp life to maintain performance.

Setting Up the IceCap 18W In-Sump UV Sterilizer

Inspect the quartz sleeve and UV lamp before installation, assemble the vessel according to the manufacturer instructions, and install the included feed pump into the bottom of the housing. Place the unit upright in a stable sump or AIO chamber with the electrical end safely above the water level. Plug the feed pump into power first, confirm water is moving through the unit, check for leaks, then connect the UV ballast to a GFCI-protected outlet. Always unplug the unit before service and never look directly at an operating UV lamp.

What's Included

• 1 x Quartz sleeve housing nut
• 1 x Gasket for quartz sleeve
• 1 x Vessel cover
• 1 x Vessel cover seal
• 1 x UV internal vessel
• 1 x Quartz sleeve
• 1 x High-output UV lamp
• 1 x External vessel housing
• 1 x Feed pump
• 1 x High-output UV ballast
• 1 x Power pump supply
• 1 x Feed pump controller
• 1 x Mounting ring