PC unit Frustration!!!!!!

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Hi Everyone! Did you ever have a bad day when it comes to your reef set-up? Ha!!!!!!!!
I broke a 55w bulb in my pc unit(4 x 55w bulbs, 2 10,000 ice whites 2 7100 actinic blues) so I send for a new bulb and got it today. I was so happy and now I could put my pc unit on my 80 gallon reef tank. WRONG!
Come to find out the sockets on the one side are shorted out and the other bulb is bad too. Must of happened when I broke the bulb. Yek!
Hamilton Technology said I could mail it back and they would fix it plus labor. Now that I have settled down , I e-mailed them and asked them what it would cost to put in 8 lights in the unit which would give me 440 watts which would be alot better set-up. This may be a blessing in disquise!
Should I have 6 10,000 whites and two 7100 actinic blues in this system. It sounds like a plan to me. JMO. Johnny

[Brooke]

It just may be a blessing in after all. You will surely need at least 1 of not 2 fans in a hood with that many pc's though!!
You would probably still be better off doing a VHO/PC combo. This is what we have on our 100g. Do you know anything about wiring lights? My hubby Jon could tell you how he did our hood if it would help. Let us know what you find out!

Brooke

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Hi Brooke! One fan came with the hood when I bought it.
I may ask your husband for advice on how to wire a good set-up in my PC unit if it cost too much with Hanmilton Technology. I wired in 4 extra outlets in a garage one time in my old home. Not much experience!!!! Johnny

[Doug1]

You might want to look at this before buying another 4x55 PC setup http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...ry_Code=Phazer
Factor in replacement cost every 9 months or so for 8PC bulbs vs 4 VHO

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Hi Doug! I have been thinking about building a canopy for my 48L x 18w x 23h reef tank. Don't know the first thing about building one but I will attempt it.
Do I need to put a thing strip on the inside of the canopy to have it fit on the aquarium so it will lower on to the glass and hide the strip at the top of the aquarium. I quess I will need to waterproof it also.
Would I need any more lights that the kit You told me to view. LN Electronic 4 bulbs Vho kit? I would like to have several different types of corals.
I am pretty ignorant when it comes to this canopy building so would appreciate any help you can. Thanks Johnny

[PatTheAttack]

You'll do fine Honey with the help this forum gives. I love these people and of course you 2

[Doug1]

Hi Johnny and PAt, A canopy is basically a box that fits over the top of the tank, usually fairly open on the back for ventalation. Ya it should slip down and hide the trim and have little support blocks or strips. Heigth is a personall choice but about 6" for a VHO or PC hood works well, 12" for MH gives you room to work with