What to change powercompacts

[Maguyver]

guys, i have these light in my tank now
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/Po...t:_6-96W_Powercompacts_by_Hamilton_Technology

the reasons i want to change them out is the
1) they consume a lot of energy 96x6= 576 watts
2) the bulbs are about 50 to 60 bucks x6 do the math
3) and the heat is a lot

can anyone tell me of a setup that could be as good as the light my setup gives out with out all the inconveniences....... or I'm i dreaming lol

 

[dcantucson]

Gosh they seem to be pretty nice lights too me. Ever looked into LEDs?

 

[Maguyver]

they are

 

[bjohanson1234]

Aquarium Lighting for Reef Systems: Current Nova Extreme Pro Saltwater T-5 Fixtures

How about this one? t5's put out better light than PC's, are cheaper to replace the bulbs. Both because the bulbs are cheaper and because they last a 12-18 months vs the 6-12 months of the PC bulbs

 

[Maguyver]

those are real nice, now i hate to be picky but do they make anything similar that go under the canopy..... like open without all the plastic housing.... you know what i mean

 

[Maguyver]

okay now i know the name, Retro Fit, is that right

 

[AdeptMrSniffles]

If your putting them in a canopy you can just do a T5 retro fit kit. Buy a
couple of ballasts, individual reflectors and bam! New lights.

 

[bjohanson1234]

You can get retrofit t5's

You can also build your own too if you have the inginuity. And with a name like Maguyver I'm assuming you do.:mrgreen:

You can get ballasts and bulbs from 1000bulbs.com some reflectors and such from various websites

 

[bjohanson1234]

ninja'd:mrgreen:

 

[Maguyver]

you make it sound easy lol i have no idea on where to go for all that and the size of the ballasts

 

[Maguyver]

i get that from my name allot lol i have the know how just don't know the ins and out like what ballasts to use, i have the reflector its on there now from the power compacts

 

[Maguyver]

does grainger have the stuff to do it with, i have a good hook up with them in my area

 

[bjohanson1234]

Fulham - Ballasts -

Use the little pull down menu on the right to find what ballast you need.
If you need more bulbs than can be used by a ballast, you will need more ballasts.

Then order it from 1000bulbs.com and some t5 endcaps.

 

[bjohanson1234]

does grainger have the stuff to do it with, i have a good hook up with them in my area

Im sure they would.

 

[reeffreak]

Maguyver,you already linked to the best place to get a retrofit kit(Reef Geek).Give them a call,really good price for complete kits(ballast,wires,endcaps,bulbs,single lamp reflectors).Some are even prewired for you.


Personally,I would want to run at least 6 banks of t5.Since it will take 2 -36'' to run the length.You will need 12 total bulbs.

 

[Maguyver]

well guys i need some more help with selecting the ballast..... i mentioned before that a get a really really good deal at grainger but i have to do the foot work so i saw this ballast and thought i would run it threw the gurus 1st, what do you guys think and if not could you please help me find the right one on their site please with sugar on top lol


http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/2LMW8?Pid=search

 

[daugherty]

that will work but these are cheaper than the ones from grainger

Fulham WH7-120-L Workhorse 7 Electronic Ballast 120V Long Case - ProLighting.com

 

[reeffreak]

Maguyver,the link you provide says it can run 2-54w(48'') T5 bulbs.My guess is it can run 3-39w(36'') T5 bulbs.

Daugherty linked to one that can run 4-39 watters at a much cheaper price.

 

[bjohanson1234]

Maguyver,the link you provide says it can run 2-54w(48'') T5 bulbs.My guess is it can run 3-39w(36'') T5 bulbs.

Not if it can only run a total of 2 bulbs. Doesnt matter about the total wattage if that is the case. And the number of bulbs listed is 2.

I am running the fulham workhorse ballast since it was a nice cheap alternative. It is running 4 x 24 watt 24" bulbs. But hey if his contact at grainger can get these for alot cheaper, then go with them. WHat ever you decide, post pics and if you have questions about wiring up a ballast, ask. I've wired up more than I can count. From old magnetic start t-12 to goofy ass t-2 bulbs.

 

[Maguyver]

im guessing these are the sockets i need

Miniature Bipin Socket Screw Mount (T5 / T5HO) 10 Pack - ProLighting.com