Hood Unit Has Packed Up

[Mowbz]

It seems despite the guy i got the tank from telling me it needed a new bulbs, the unit is in fact, not serviceable.

Its a tropiquarium, so would have originally had the lighting, filter and heater unit all integral, however when i got the tank, the original filter and heater i guess had packed up, and were not with it, so i have simply bought an internal filter and heater.

It appears the light unit has packed up, which is the only item in the lid now Its a twin 15inch 14w setup, with a single transformer. Having replaced both bulbs and starters, both lights merely flicker a very pale purple colour at best.

What is the best value replacement for all of this this? (From the plug to the bulbs, for ideally under £50) Im good with electrics, but at a vehicle technician level, so i have no idea where to source the parts required to gut the inner lid and replace it all with new. Im at the very start of cycling the tank at the mo, so its no big issue that they are out, but of course will need them fixed asap!

Any thoughts appreciated!!

 

[Miles_hot]

Our ND tank shipped with Arcadia Ultra Seal units which have a natty water tights seal running out to an external ballast / transformer / switch thing which plugs into the wall. I'm pretty happy with these. If you are gutting the hood I would make sure that you have reflectors in there as this will allow more light from the tube to strike the water (if buying the isn't a good option use white drain pipe cut in half - maybe even spray it gloss silver?).

HTH

Miles

 

[Mowbz]

Sound like i was look at something similar last night.

Im now looking at setting up two ballasts for two tubes. The lid is a black outer shell, with a while moulded plastic insert screwed in which holds the ballast, and all of the wiring for the two tubes. Its the while part i plan to remove. Ill then coat the inside with reflective film, and set to work fitting in the tubes.

I currently have two 14W 15" Tubes in there. Since im gutting the lid, any suggestions for a good tube length/ wattage for a 2ft 70 litre tank?

If im going to get longer/higher wattage tubes, now would be a good time to make the decision!

Cheers!

 

[Miles_hot]

You probably need to state what you're intending in the way of planting (any, co2 etc) then someone more knowledgeable can comment. It would also be worth doing a search on here and in the kit sections of the forum as lights, output and characteristics have been discussed many times.