Savio Skimmer ALERT

Provided by Mark Lawson of Koi Depot

We were just advised last week of this problem; it seems that these skimmers with the UV kits have been known to catch fire. There have been at least 5 cases known to date and there maybe more that we haven't heard about.

Savio is working with the folks that units have caught fire and burned. My concern is that we haven't received any other information to date from Savio... as to the real cause and can only guess at this point. It is my understanding that at least 2 units have been sent back to Savio for study on this matter. I would hope that after reviewing these burned units that some answers to question will be addressed in a timely matter.

Some things that have been discussed are the possibility of arcing at the connection of the bulb to housing. If it isn't tightened all the way it could allow water or moisture to enter into that area and arc. It may have been the first version of the Uvinex. Those had a plastic divider between the prongs of the lamp end, and the divider usually broke off. That allowed the lamp to twist in the connector, and arc. Newer version has two holes for the connector (not a plastic divider).That is only one idea as to how maybe this happens, not etched in stone at this time.

We have used Savio and they are great units, and I know many others use Savio as well..............nothing wrong with the skimmer at all.....great product! Our concern is the UV kit that is installed inside the skimmer! Most Koi hobbyists don't use these types of UV setups, but have an external UV unit. But some of you may..........

If you do use this setup, please take a minute and pull out installation directions and double check your unit to make sure it is properly installed. An ounce of prevention is goes a long way.