Turn full lighting unit into "retrofit kit"?

car5425 · 01-16-2006, 09:17 PM

Hello -

I recently built a stand for a 30 gallon hexagonal tank and plan on building a hood soon. I purchased a coralife 20" compact quad strip unit for wattage. The light is just a little long for the top of the tank (20" at its widest) and hangs off slightly, but the retrofit kit for the same product was $50 more. I can build a larger hood around the unit, but I think it would look more attactive if the hood didn't have to stick out on the sides so far.

So, the question is: Can I make the full light unit into a "retrofit kit"? The reflector/bulb portion without the encasing looks just like the retrofit pictures on the internet, but I am very concerned about how to enclose the wiring and other parts in a manner similar to the external ballasts on the retrofit kits. This may not be safe or feasible, but I thought I'd ask if anyone has done this before.

Thanks!

Sponsors

markdem · 01-25-2006, 08:19 AM

Hi car5425, there is no problem doing this. You MUST make sure that you dont allow the eletronic parts get wet at any time. Also, when you do it, make sure that the end caps are lined up, or your tubes may not fit

Have fun

Mark

car5425 · 01-25-2006, 05:05 PM

Thanks Mark for you help.

Do you have any specific recommendations for properly encasing the electrical components. My best idea at this point is using one of the outdoor electrical boxes that you can buy at Home Depot.

Carrie

markdem · 01-26-2006, 12:01 AM

Hello, you dont even need one of them, just make sure that the balist is high up so the wate can't splash on it. If you want, i guess you can still put it into a small box, just make sure that air can still flow aound the ballist.

Mark

01-16-2006, 09:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
car5425 Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 3	Turn full lighting unit into "retrofit kit"? Hello - I recently built a stand for a 30 gallon hexagonal tank and plan on building a hood soon. I purchased a coralife 20" compact quad strip unit for wattage. The light is just a little long for the top of the tank (20" at its widest) and hangs off slightly, but the retrofit kit for the same product was $50 more. I can build a larger hood around the unit, but I think it would look more attactive if the hood didn't have to stick out on the sides so far. So, the question is: Can I make the full light unit into a "retrofit kit"? The reflector/bulb portion without the encasing looks just like the retrofit pictures on the internet, but I am very concerned about how to enclose the wiring and other parts in a manner similar to the external ballasts on the retrofit kits. This may not be safe or feasible, but I thought I'd ask if anyone has done this before. Thanks!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-25-2006, 08:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
markdem Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 36	Hi car5425, there is no problem doing this. You MUST make sure that you dont allow the eletronic parts get wet at any time. Also, when you do it, make sure that the end caps are lined up, or your tubes may not fit Have fun Mark

01-25-2006, 05:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
car5425 Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 3	Thanks Mark for you help. Do you have any specific recommendations for properly encasing the electrical components. My best idea at this point is using one of the outdoor electrical boxes that you can buy at Home Depot. Carrie

01-26-2006, 12:01 AM	#4 (permalink)
markdem Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Australia Posts: 36	Hello, you dont even need one of them, just make sure that the balist is high up so the wate can't splash on it. If you want, i guess you can still put it into a small box, just make sure that air can still flow aound the ballist. Mark