I need lighting help!!

[TXReefer]

Hi:

I'd like to have the SeaLight 27W Quad light installed for my small refugium. See the site:
http://www.championlighting.com/cgi-bin/catalog.cgi?page=Products/Lighting/pc.html&cart_id=3296104.17052

However, this is a retro kit and the site says "Must be used with enclosed fixture". My question is, where do I get a fixture for this kit? My custom refugium is 20L x 7W and thus a compat fixture would be preferred.

Any help is highly appreciated.....

[ron4675]

Hi,
I use PC retrofit lights on my main tank and sump/growout tank. I don't use any enclosed fixtures on either. The lamps can get dirty/salty depending on how close to the water's surface they are and how much water movement there is but cleaning them while they are cool (in the morning before they come on) with a paper towel etc will keep them clean. I haven't had any problems not using a glass cover between the lights and the tank, and it has been running for about 3 years in one form or another. The main thing is to secure the aluminium reflector properly!

[TXReefer]

thanks ron4675.

Anybody else?

[piercho]

AH Supply sells very nice, inexpensive, PC retros with specular aluminum reflectors. They also provide free plans for DIY enclosures. Their 2 X 36W kit has a 17.5L X 7W X 2H reflector, so it seems pretty ideal for your refugium.

A vendor thread is here:
http://archive.reefcentral.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=40144

AH Supply website is here:
http://www.ahsupply.com/index.html

I stuck my isolation tank PC kit inside a plastic planter (24L X 5W X 5D) that I bought for $3.50 at the hardware store. I cut some short lengths of 1X2 to space the reflector off the plastic. I didn't use glass to put under the PC fixture but Lowes will cut thin pieces of plate glass to size for us where I live.

[TXReefer]

Hi piercho or anybody has experience with AH Supply light:

I guess the fixtures that AH Supply sells or covered in the DIY plan does not have the protection glass/acrylic between the bulbs and the tank. Will that cause problems to the bulb long turn wise?

Thanks!