20" power compact options

[keethrax]

OK, I'm actually in the process of planning out a new planted aquarium (I know, off topic). But it's going to be a 20 XH and so it will be 24" deep. This means my lighting requirements are a bit higher than other planted aquariums I've put together, and so I figured I'd stop by here and ask about small(ish) Power Compact fixtures as that's what I'll likely be using.

I'll leave it to people familiar with plants and such to help me with how much light I'm likely to need, (though feel free to chime in with that too).

What I'm mainly looking for is experiences with the various smaller PC's (ie less than 24") and if there are any products that stand out (good or bad).

And as a 10 gallon tank can be 20" long, I figured some of you guys are doubtless using this stuff already. I'm having problems finidng too many plant people using setups this small.

Have a smallish reef in the works, but that's a farther into the furure plan at the moment, and as it gets closer (probablyin ~6 months to a year) I'm sure I'll be back with all kinds of other questions.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a 96W Powerquad Pendant made by CSL. They're available from marinedepot.com, although I don't know if the maker is in business anymore. It's only 13" long and puts out a lotta light.

Some other sites...
www.ahsupply.com
www.hellolights.com

Good luck, and welcome to reefs.org!

 

[Anonymous]

actually check out Drsfosterandsmith.com ive seen in their recent catalogs compact pendants (PC) I think its their brand... they have 3 sizes and two options... 12,20,24 inches... single or double...all under 50 bucks...

check it out
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... 004+113176

 

[keethrax]

actually check out Drsfosterandsmith.com ive seen in their recent catalogs compact pendants (PC) I think its their brand... they have 3 sizes and two options... 12,20,24 inches... single or double...all under 50 bucks...

check it out
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... 004+113176

Thanks, that looks great. The 96 quad bulbs mentioned above would possibly be better wattage -wise, but they don't seem to make bulbs in the right color temps. Whereas these come with two bulbs right where I want them.

Does anybody have any experience with these?

 

[Anonymous]

There new...so you might not find too many responses...

 

[keethrax]

There new...so you might not find too many responses...

Yep, I'm ordering them in all probability, just figured I'd check just in case.

Time to start working on building a stand for this tank...

 

[keethrax]

Got my lights today.

Am pretty impressed with the fixture, especially when you consider the low cost. Even with replacing both bulbs (since these are 6500K) bulbs it wouldn't be a bad way to go for a nano-type reef I don't think.

The mounting "legs" were both broken when I received the package, but as the shipping box (FedEx) was demolished, I attribute this soley due to terrible handling on the part of FedEx and not to any defect in the product. A little more padding inside the actual fixture box (as opposed to the shipping box) may have prevented the damage, but I'm not sure. The outside box was crumpled in all corners/sides, and have a huge tear in it from which it was losing packing material. So with that kind of abuse by the shipper, it may not have mattered.

I called Drs Foster and Smith, and new legs should be on theree way ASAP. Considering I ordered these on Sunday evening, and received them Wednesday with their basic shipping I'm quite impressed. As I don't even have the actual tank yet its not like the broken parts will pose a real problem, and if it was a problem I'm sure a temporary solution could be reached with the remains of the broken legs.