[soundtweakers]

Hi, I have the plain ol' 24 inch flourescent fixture that house a single 15 watts 18 inches T8 tube. Is there any simple upgrades to boost it's power? Higher power bulbs with higher power balasts?

Also, any DIY reflector suggestions are welcomed.

thanks

 

[epicfish]

www.ahsupply.com

 

[Pac-Man]

How would you put such a retrofit on your tank? Stick the strip in the original canopy? Let it sit on a glass canopy?

 

[tazcrash69]

How would you put such a retrofit on your tank? Stick the strip in the original canopy? Let it sit on a glass canopy?

I also think AHSupply is you least expensive best bet.

You would just need to gut the original fixture, mount the Ah equipment, connect some wires according to the directions, and done.

 

[Gatekeeper]

Yep...rip the guts out of the old fixture and mount that sucker in there. They have the 22" which seems perfect to fit in the 24" stock housing.

I highly reccomend mounting the ballast inside your tank stand if possible. Sucker gets hot.

 

[soundtweakers]

Thanks for the generous advice. I think I'll go with the 1X55Watts set. Does anybody know if it comes with a power switch. I'm not currently using a timer.

thanks

 

[Wasserpest]

This isn't quite as simple, but can be done as well: retrofit with T5 bulbs.

 

[tazcrash69]

Thanks for the generous advice. I think I'll go with the 1X55Watts set. Does anybody know if it comes with a power switch. I'm not currently using a timer.

thanks

Nope, no switch, needs to be runn on a timer, or plug, unplug.

The timer is a good investment, so you know the lights are on even on those days you can't remember your name.

Just make sure it's a heavy duty one with 3 prong plug.