Aqua One Tank

[Benauld]

I have the standard Aquaone lighting in my 620T - 2 x Compact T5's 18 Watts each. I want to upgrade to something like the Interpet 36W T5's. Now, I'm no electrician, so can I just swap the existing lights for the 36W without changing the ballast, or do I need to swap the ballast over too? (Although this would mean dismantling and stripping down the existing hood, I'm pretty sure I could do that!) I'm also assuming that both would be rated for the same voltage 240-250V.

I've heard somewhere, that some people have had problems, as the Aquaone lights are not a standard size? Has anybody had this problem?

Thanks

 

[nukeonekitty]

Well I am guessing it will say on the housing of the light what wattage and voltage it can handle without busting into flames

 

[Benauld]

It has a voltage (240-250V), however no wattage rating - which seems very strange to me, maybe even possibly illegal for an item sold in the UK, but don't quote me on that! I'll dismantle it and take a closer look at the ballast... However, I know one of them is REALLY important but can't remember whether it's Watts or Volts!? As you say, I just don't want my hood melting!

 

[nukeonekitty]

If I was more of a sparky I would try to help, but I don't know too much about electrical.

 

[Benauld]

Thanks nuke,

I've just checked the ballast, PITA to get to, but worth it. It's only rated for 20W max. Looks like I'll have to strip everything out and completely retro-fit it, if I want anything more than 18 watts. Not what I had hoped for but I'll have to go with what I've got...

Thanks again...

 

[nukeonekitty]

Well I am planning on doing the same thing so keep me posted. I want to upgrade to T-5.

 

[chuts]

I did this to my ViaAqua VA-380 (38L), so smaller than yours and different make but pretty sure the hood construction is similar (see link below)

To this you do need to strip out everything, and prob need to do a bit of cutting for wires etc. The interpets get fairly warm to say the least so you may also need to drill some ventilation holes if needs be. It comes with its own ballast which will not fit in the hood, so this will sit outside the hood in the cabinet or somewhere.

T5 PC Upgrade thread

Good luck, the difference they make is amazing B)

 

[doresy]

Why don't you just CLIK HERE and ask them

As they are just around the corner for me I would pop in but you could call them, they are everso helpful

 

[Benauld]

Thanks for that chuts, that thread looks interesting, I'll give it another read when the time comes for me to upgrade. I'm on hols for the next few weeks...

dorsey, last time I tried Aquaone they were slightly less useful than a chocolate tea cosy! I e-mailed them and told them that I had a problem (the ballast was buzzing really loudly). Their conclusion after 1 week of contemplation? "Well, it must be broken..."