eclipse-3 lighting changes

[Nathan1098]

first question is this the light that is "50/50" one 6700K daylight and one 7100K blue. If not what is a 50/50 light.


I was reading about a change in lighting for an eclipse hood http://www.inlandreef.com/eclipse.html
does anyone know of another DIY site that i could use to adjust my eclipse hood (29gal tank)

It looks good but I can't seem to locate the ballast anywhere but the inlandreef site. I don't know much about ballast, can I just get one with the right output specs? or will it effect the output of the light?

Also for these lights is it typical to pay $25 each?

Thanks in advance
-Nathan

 

[Len]

Hey Nathan!

I don't think anyone gave you the "official" welcome, so here it is

A 50/50 fluorscent is the term used to describe a single bulb that has a mixture of actinic and "daylight" phosphors. It doesn't mean there are actually two different bulbs, but one with that combines the two elements. Generally speaking, however, I do not recommend 50/50 bulbs in situations you can run multiple bulbs. Instead, I recommend running a full spectrum "daylight" bulb with a true actinic bulb.

As for the ballast, you can get one of comparable specifications (it does not need to be Magnetek) but if you are not familiar with these components, I highly recommend you simply follow Inland's DIY plans. Wiring lighting compenents is not something one should take lightly, no pun intended

$20-25/ bulb is normal, but you may be able to find them slightly cheaper if you dig around. Aquarium bulbs are specialty bulbs and thus usually costs more then "standard" worklights.

 

[Bone'Collector]

My advice to you would be to buy the actual retrofit kit... I bought one for my eclipse 12 hood the 32 watt retrofit kit and it came with instructions and everything and it went very smooth... Here is a link to the 55 watt kit.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant ... _Code=CSLr

 

[Nathan1098]

Does the previously mentioned retrofit provide sutable light for most coral or other light demading needs ?

Do i have to buy lights from this company only?
"All models use a proprietary electronic ballast that provides 15% more light than previous versions with the same great lamp life of 14-16 months."

also one more question does this come with a bulb or not? i cant find where it says.

 

[Bone'Collector]

I dont believe the 55 watt will be enough for most corals... that would be giving you less then 2 watts a gallon... The kit does come with a bulb or at least it did for me when i bought the 32 watt version but i was only using it over a 12 gallon nano reef... Send a email to the people at premium aquatics telling them what you need and your hood size etc and I do beleive they can set you up with one that is 2 x 55watt bulbs for a total of 110watts over your 30 gallon (almost 4 watts a gallon) should be enough for zoo's and other softies..

 

[Nathan1098]

Thanks for your advice i will do that