Any good ?

[tombsc]

I just found these lights, apparently they don't need a ballast. Does this sound normal ? They apparently are splash proof, would this be safe ? They would be about 2 inches above the water with no glass in between.
Thanks

[GulfCoastAquarian]

Were you going to attach a picture?
All fluorescent lights need a ballast - these lights might just have the ballast built into the base (I'm guessing we're supposed to be looking at a screw-in CF bulb).
Being splash proof doesn't necessarily mean they'd be safe in a "Moist or High Humidity Environment" where there would be much condensation on the internal parts.

[tombsc]

HAHA SORRY !!!
I forgot to add this:
http://www.3countieshydroponics.co.u..._starlites.htm

This is what they said:

Hi tom
The star lights are splash resistant but as with all lights I certainly
would not recommend giving them a soaking! This system does not need a
ballast and it measures 24" by 15". However we also do a compact
version
that measures 22" by 8" this retails at the same price.
Hope this is of some help to you.
Regards,
Matt

and here is a rubbish picture :

[SCMurphy]

I think that just means you don't have to buy a ballast to operate the fixture, not that the fixture doesn't require a ballast to be operated. I don't know how they compare price wise to anything else available to you. I don't see why you couldn't use it. I wonder if the 4x fixture is twice as wide or twice as long.

I....I....I, boy I'm self-centered today.

[tombsc]

Well I asked them how far away from the unit the ballast is i.e how long is the cord before it reaches the ballast ? So I could determine if the ballast will sit under the tank or not. To which they replied that this system does not require a ballast.
The picture seems to dictate T5/PC bulbs (the name for PCs in UK) so surely there must be a ballast somewhere ?
They also say that these lights are good for 'grow outs' as they run cool.
With all this uncertainty perhaps I should just wait for the ASL 'aquarium lights' to become available.

[tombsc]

These guys are quick at replying to emails...
Here's the details :

Hi tom
The system from top to bottom is 3.5", the 4 bulb system measures
24"x20"
You do not need a ballast, remember these are not sodium or metal halide
bulbs. These systems use the osram cool white bulbs and run off a kettle
style lead.
Regards,
Matt

This would fit in my existing hood...maybe I should chance it

[SCMurphy]

What I meant was I think the ballast is contained in the fixture. There has to be a ballast, or some kind of starter, for the PC's. You can't just plug a PC into the electrical circuit and expect it to light up, explode maybe but that's not an issue here. I forgot to ask how big your tank is. At 24x20 with 4x55 watt bulbs I know several nano-reef keepers that would drool over this fixture. Ask them what kind of bulbs they are, square pin or straight pin.

[SCMurphy]

You could put 2 of the 4x fixtures over a 55 gallon tank and sunbathe in front of it. 8)

[tombsc]

My tank is 101(L)x41(D)x50(H) (cm) with a panoramic front to give a volume of 180 litres. Here it is

http://www.juwel-aquarium.de/pdf/Pano_100_Pass.pdf

and:

Hi
They are round pin and as far as I am aware any power compact bulb will
fit in this system.

Matt