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Lighting question

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2K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  Angel079 
#1 ·
I had a twin bulb, fluorescent fixture for my glass top 38 gallon fresh water tank.
It lasted for about 20 years with no problem.

I replaced it with a Perfecto fixture with this difference - no separate starter unit.
It's all in one unit now with an electronic ballast and starter.

It lasted about a year and a half and no appears to be dead.

Both bulbs won't light, and the unit is plugged into a timer, so the switch is barely used at all - no kids turning it on and off 50 times a day.

Although Perfecto will fix it since it's out of warrantee (90 days), for $42.67, plus the cost of shipping, I don't think these should die in less than 2 years. It says poor quality in the part of Perfecto. A replacement is about $150.00

Is there an inexpensive substitute for this over priced lighting fixture. I wondering if Home Depot or Lowes would have a water resistant 48 inch fixture for about significantly less, although wouldn't have a plastic wood grain and black housing.

Thanks
 
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#2 ·
I have no pers experience with these very hoods - What I'd do if I was in your shoes thou, rather then spent the $ on a new one or fix that one, I'd keep the actual hood (the plastic housing) and do me some DYI set up there on whichever lights you prefer (screw in bulbs, florescent tubes etc) cost for that at your home store and re-using parts you already have incl new bulbs ~$20 (Just be SURE whatever bulbs you wanna add from the home store to get like a 32watt total on your tank, something rated around 5-6500 Kelvin and Daylight or Ultimate Daylight).

I think you may enjoy looking over this thread for DYI light ideas http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/...uipment/adventures-budget-diy-lighting-34614/

And btw WELCOME TO OUR FORUM :)
 
#3 ·
Bought a T-5 fixture

I have no pers experience with these very hoods - What I'd do if I was in your shoes thou, rather then spent the $ on a new one or fix that one, I'd keep the actual hood (the plastic housing) and do me some DYI set up there on whichever lights you prefer (screw in bulbs, florescent tubes etc) cost for that at your home store and re-using parts you already have incl new bulbs ~$20 (Just be SURE whatever bulbs you wanna add from the home store to get like a 32watt total on your tank, something rated around 5-6500 Kelvin and Daylight or Ultimate Daylight).

I think you may enjoy looking over this thread for DYI light ideas http://www.tropicalfishkeeping.com/...uipment/adventures-budget-diy-lighting-34614/

And btw WELCOME TO OUR FORUM :)

Thanks for the quick reply.
I bit the bullet, and bought a NOVA Extreme HO fixture that comes with 2 T-5 lamps which are supposed to offer high output with less power use.

I wouldn't buy a replacement Perfecto refelctor since it doesn't last a year and a half and this new setup first of all has a 1 yr guarantee vs 90 days and was recommended strongly by the aquarist at a large store that I shop online with.

I didn't want to go the DIY route, because the electronic starter and ballast went bad and with electricity and water, I didn't want to take any chances.

Jerewhon
 
#5 ·
:lol: Too bad I don't need to set up new tanks (or do I :twisted:) but I only have Lows here anyway lol
How about you shop for us and distribute them to the members that apparently can not get them in their regions (odd ain't it?).
 
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