Tropiquarium 88 Lighting Upgrade

[MoreCoffee]

Thanks Andy,

I'm also looking at this unit

ASL Compact T5 lighting unit

It has all the measurements I need to see if it will fit into the existing hood space without too much reworking.
It would certainly fit if I removed the internal fittings of the hood, but we'll see.

The twin 36W is 19"
The twin 55W is 22"
The ballast is 7" x 4"

My only remaining concern is the heat generated by these lights and of course finding the time to do the work.
It'll be another week before I get a chance to look at this.

Mr G

 

[Jape]

Be very wary of fitting the Interpet Power compacts under your hood Mr G...

I fitted 2x36W Interpet power compacts under my Rekord 70 hood - quite similar to your hood Mr G. I had no real problems, and was very pleased until the recent warm weather spell...

The PC's were running very hot, and started generating an unacceptable temp rise in the tank. This, in turn, led to a number of Algae and fish related problems

I tried fitting a PC cooling fan, but the problem persisted. So much so, that I have had to shell out for an Arcadia Luminaire unit (4x24W). This has resulted in an immediate improvement in the temp control, and also plant growth

Looks good too - highly recommend it!

The ASL unit may run cooler - but as the bulbs are similar I suspect they will generate the same heat.

PS. If anyone wants to buy 2x36W Interpet Ballasts with an assortment of bulbs PM me

 

[MoreCoffee]

Be very wary of fitting the Interpet Power compacts under your hood Mr G...

I fitted 2x36W Interpet power compacts under my Rekord 70 hood - quite similar to your hood Mr G. I had no real problems, and was very pleased until the recent warm weather spell...

The PC's were running very hot, and started generating an unacceptable temp rise in the tank. This, in turn, led to a number of Algae and fish related problems

I tried fitting a PC cooling fan, but the problem persisted. So much so, that I have had to shell out for an Arcadia Luminaire unit (4x24W). This has resulted in an immediate improvement in the temp control, and also plant growth

Looks good too - highly recommend it!

The ASL unit may run cooler - but as the bulbs are similar I suspect they will generate the same heat.

PS. If anyone wants to buy 2x36W Interpet Ballasts with an assortment of bulbs PM me

Thanks ............ The heat generated was a bit of a concern, but I had only considered heat build up inside the hood, not the actual tank. That said, I'm only looking at 2 x 36W (or possibly 2x55's) over a 130L tank.
As I'd have almost twice the volume of water it may not be as much of a problem.

I might just go for a luminaire, but I felt the top edge of the Trop88 looks a bit untidy without the hood.
Maybe I'll need to give it another look.