Does anyone know how to retrofit a PC?

NyCzBuBba · 12-18-2003, 01:13 AM

Ok I bought the Retrofit bright kit from AHsupply but the instructions don't help I sort of need a diagram or step by step pictures. Or if someone can interpert it easily thanks!

Rex Grigg · 12-18-2003, 03:44 AM

*Edited for content* It's actually very simple to do.

Left C · 12-18-2003, 03:54 AM

Did you order the optional free "tips" from them. I just did one on an Eclipse hood. It's easy as can be like Rex said.

Daemonfly · 12-18-2003, 04:59 AM

What are you trying to retrofit it into? Stock lighting box?

What problems are you having & which size kit is it?

NFish · 12-18-2003, 07:08 PM

What size bright kit did you buy? (55, 36, 13, 96 watt, etc?)

What size tank are you putting it on? (dimensions please)

Are you putting it into a strip light that came with your tank, or are you building a wood canopy, or what?

It really isn't thank difficult, and many of us on this forum have bought from AHsupply, so just ask all the questions you need to (that's what we're here for).

NyCzBuBba · 12-19-2003, 01:35 AM

It's a 55 watt kit. It's going on a a 46 gallon bow tank. I already have 90 watts over it thought I'd add more. Its going to be retrofitted into a stock 30" flourescent strip light. The electrical part isn't hard just mounting it is just a little difficult.
Oh yeah I don't think that 14 year old comment was funny at all. I didn't think drilling and everything was involved.

NyCzBuBba · 12-19-2003, 01:51 AM

How do I know which is #8 screw #6 etc all the part numbers am i missing a sheet?

Rex Grigg · 12-19-2003, 02:15 AM

Well you don't have to drill if you have enough epoxy. Or you could use bailing wire or duct tape. The smaller the number the bigger the diameter of the screw.

NyCzBuBba · 12-19-2003, 03:26 AM

Ok actually I figured it out I didn't read the components list :P
Ok this is what I did I mounted the ballast on the outside(back of the striplight). I used the original switch and put it on the white/blue wire. I put wirenuts on all the wire connections. I connected all the right colored wires together. Shortened red/red/yellow ones because they were too long. Then I drilled two holes for the bulb mounts and used the 1" screws with the spacers. I then just connected the bulb to the end cap and thats it. I did not use alot of parts. I grounded the green wire onto the ballast which I used that same screw to mount the ballast and i screwed in at the other end of the ballast to mount it. I used the pre drilled holes for the stock lighting. I did not use all the bushings I used one for the power cord and didn't use the clamps or the adhesive clamp. I hope that is ok? All the wires are hidden behind the reflector so you don't see it and all the wire nuts are on so no exposed wires. Is that ok or do I have to redo it by putting on all those clamps?

**GulfCoastAquarian** · 12-19-2003, 01:11 PM

You don't have to use all the parts included with the kit. The clips are just there for neat freaks with cord management. You should see how messy the wires are behind my reflectors! As long as your wire nuts are secure, you'll be fine.

Daemonfly · 12-20-2003, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rex Grigg

Well you don't have to drill if you have enough epoxy. Or you could use bailing wire or duct tape. The smaller the number the bigger the diameter of the screw.

Actually, thats wrong. The #6 screw will be the smaller of the two.

They also give you a lot of extra parts, like the clips, etc.. it's up to you if you want to use them to help clean up the install.

Rex Grigg · 12-20-2003, 12:02 PM

/me slaps his forehead!

I knew I screwed that up. In fact that's what I first typed when I started replying and changed it. I must have gotten lead shot and screws mixed up in my mind due to the fog of just getting home from work.

Daemonfly · 12-21-2003, 04:59 AM

Blame the way America set up it's size "standards"

Pipe fittings/thread sizes, wire gauges, screw sizes... Deffinately "standards" :roll:

12-18-2003, 07:08 PM	#5
NFish Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Colorado, USA, North America, Planet Earth, Milky Way Galaxy Posts: 235	What size bright kit did you buy? (55, 36, 13, 96 watt, etc?) What size tank are you putting it on? (dimensions please) Are you putting it into a strip light that came with your tank, or are you building a wood canopy, or what? It really isn't thank difficult, and many of us on this forum have bought from AHsupply, so just ask all the questions you need to (that's what we're here for). __________________ LIFE IS GOOD, ETERNAL LIFE IS BETTER John 3:16 Romans 10:9

12-19-2003, 01:11 PM	#10
GulfCoastAquarian Planted Tank VIP (View User Tanks) PTrader: (6/100%) Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Winston-Salem, NC Posts: 3,577	You don't have to use all the parts included with the kit. The clips are just there for neat freaks with cord management. You should see how messy the wires are behind my reflectors! As long as your wire nuts are secure, you'll be fine. __________________ - Sam P - plantedtanker in limbo - all tanks currently in storage

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

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
MH retrofit under canopy	ninoboy	Lighting	5	07-03-2004 03:27 AM
retrofit for 6 gallon Eclipse	amanda huggenkiss	Lighting	12	05-02-2004 09:23 PM
Retrofit installation instructions	Fat Guy	Lighting	10	02-04-2004 01:27 PM
retrofit install in a tiny tank	evan	Planted Nano Tanks	1	07-15-2003 04:51 PM
Best substrate enricher for a retrofit?	lanstar	Substrate	9	01-21-2003 03:14 AM

12-18-2003, 01:13 AM	#1
NyCzBuBba Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: NY, USA Posts: 261	Ok I bought the Retrofit bright kit from AHsupply but the instructions don't help I sort of need a diagram or step by step pictures. Or if someone can interpert it easily thanks!

12-18-2003, 03:44 AM	#2
Rex Grigg Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (65/100%) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland Orygun Posts: 9,600	Edited for content It's actually very simple to do.

12-18-2003, 03:54 AM	#3
Left C Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (19/100%) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Burlington, NC Posts: 5,009	Did you order the optional free "tips" from them. I just did one on an Eclipse hood. It's easy as can be like Rex said.

12-18-2003, 04:59 AM	#4
Daemonfly Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 355	What are you trying to retrofit it into? Stock lighting box? What problems are you having & which size kit is it?

12-19-2003, 01:35 AM	#6
NyCzBuBba Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: NY, USA Posts: 261	It's a 55 watt kit. It's going on a a 46 gallon bow tank. I already have 90 watts over it thought I'd add more. Its going to be retrofitted into a stock 30" flourescent strip light. The electrical part isn't hard just mounting it is just a little difficult. Oh yeah I don't think that 14 year old comment was funny at all. I didn't think drilling and everything was involved.

12-19-2003, 01:51 AM	#7
NyCzBuBba Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: NY, USA Posts: 261	How do I know which is #8 screw #6 etc all the part numbers am i missing a sheet?

12-19-2003, 02:15 AM	#8
Rex Grigg Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (65/100%) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland Orygun Posts: 9,600	Well you don't have to drill if you have enough epoxy. Or you could use bailing wire or duct tape. The smaller the number the bigger the diameter of the screw.

12-19-2003, 03:26 AM	#9
NyCzBuBba Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: NY, USA Posts: 261	Ok actually I figured it out I didn't read the components list :P Ok this is what I did I mounted the ballast on the outside(back of the striplight). I used the original switch and put it on the white/blue wire. I put wirenuts on all the wire connections. I connected all the right colored wires together. Shortened red/red/yellow ones because they were too long. Then I drilled two holes for the bulb mounts and used the 1" screws with the spacers. I then just connected the bulb to the end cap and thats it. I did not use alot of parts. I grounded the green wire onto the ballast which I used that same screw to mount the ballast and i screwed in at the other end of the ballast to mount it. I used the pre drilled holes for the stock lighting. I did not use all the bushings I used one for the power cord and didn't use the clamps or the adhesive clamp. I hope that is ok? All the wires are hidden behind the reflector so you don't see it and all the wire nuts are on so no exposed wires. Is that ok or do I have to redo it by putting on all those clamps?

12-20-2003, 12:02 PM	#12
Rex Grigg Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (65/100%) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland Orygun Posts: 9,600	/me slaps his forehead! I knew I screwed that up. In fact that's what I first typed when I started replying and changed it. I must have gotten lead shot and screws mixed up in my mind due to the fog of just getting home from work.

12-21-2003, 04:59 AM	#13
Daemonfly Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 355	Blame the way America set up it's size "standards" Pipe fittings/thread sizes, wire gauges, screw sizes... Deffinately "standards" :roll: