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View Full Version : Buying Power Compact retrofits

discusfever
11-11-2003, 10:42 PM
Hi all,

I've always wanted power compacts but there are just too expensive... does anyone know whats the most cost effective way of building a powercompact system for the tank?

I know about ahlights.com .. but.. is there any thing local here in Vancouver .. ie: lighting store that sells parts to make a power compact system?
Samw
11-11-2003, 11:20 PM
What's your budget? A lot of people talk about the workhorse ballast.
discusfever
11-12-2003, 03:16 AM
Hmmm.. I think I would like to spend 200 Dollars for a set of power compacts (200 to 300 watts). I just don't know whether there is a place that you can buy the ballast and all the parts to make a power compact system...


What is the workhorse ballast? sorry? Heard of it.. but .. what makes it so great?
StirCrazy
11-12-2003, 05:39 AM
Hmmm.. I think I would like to spend 200 Dollars for a set of power compacts (200 to 300 watts). I just don't know whether there is a place that you can buy the ballast and all the parts to make a power compact system...


What is the workhorse ballast? sorry? Heard of it.. but .. what makes it so great?

you can do a dual 96 watt (192 watts) set up using a WH7 for about 150.00 + end caps and wires, so with tax about 200.00

Steve
discusfever
11-12-2003, 07:51 AM
Wow.. thanks Steve...
That sounds real good....

Where can I get the parts for them... work horse 7 ballast?
StirCrazy
11-12-2003, 12:48 PM
check albrite lighting on the mainland.. I think guys were saying a Workhorse 7 was like 50.00 there. J&L sells the 10000K PCs for 56ish and they all so have endcaps.

STeve
discusfever
11-13-2003, 04:02 AM
Thats awesome..
I ll go buy the workhorse from albrite then.. I ll look it up on superpages and go there.

Thanks for you help!!!
mark
11-13-2003, 04:41 AM
Question for those with PCs, wondering how hot does the tank get? Reason I'm asking is currently have 75g sumpless FOWLR with 2-40W fluorescents, but want to start keeping zoos so need to upgrade lights.

This was my first summer with the tank and was having temp concerns with just the NOs as tank was maxing about 83°. Found had to keep the glass covers open and evaporating close to a gallon a day to keep the temp in check.

Don't want to run with a open canopy (lighting spillage) nor want to get a chiller.
StirCrazy
11-13-2003, 06:14 AM
I never realy noticed a problem with PC's but if you do you could always add a fan for evaporation and it would take care of it no problem.

Steve
hw
11-16-2003, 01:17 AM
check out the corallife aqualights at king ed aquarium. they are very reasonably priced.
trilinearmipmap
11-16-2003, 02:15 AM
As for heat I have a 75g with 4 x 55W cf light in a closed wood canopy. (Incidentally it is AHSupply cf light which I am very happy with and no problem with them shipping to Canada). This is a fw plant tank but it would work out the same for your sumpless 75g reef tank.

My heater is set to 80 degrees, right now with the cold weather the tank runs between 80 and 82 degrees. This summer I had temperature spikes into the high 80's and that is with no top on the tank.

Before next summer I need to install fans, IMO you will need to do this unless your tank is in a really cold basement.
butters88
11-19-2003, 12:23 AM
If your looking to buy an aqualight, JL has the best prices....Well, At least for the 96W quad for sure. I know cause I just got one :exclaim:
Hm,...this doesn't apply tho cause your looking for a retrofit, my bad