Lightin Controller Query

[holidayinn]

Hi

Looking to purchase an electronic T5 54W T5 controller for my new tank. Had a look around and have found 3 companies, Hagen-GLO, Arcadia and Interpet. There is quite a big price difference between these, approx arcadia £60, Glo £30 and Interpet £30. Can anyone explain why there is this difference? Which one would you go for? Thanks

 

[Underwurlde]

Hi

Looking to purchase an electronic T5 54W T5 controller for my new tank. Had a look around and have found 3 companies, Hagen-GLO, Arcadia and Interpet. There is quite a big price difference between these, approx arcadia £60, Glo £30 and Interpet £30. Can anyone explain why there is this difference? Which one would you go for? Thanks

by 'Controller' do you mean the transformer? If so, then I can't see the differnce apart from perhaps build standard. the 'controller' is just a poxy transformer, so it's not exactly rocket science! Therefore I don't see a reason to go for a cheaper one. Can you provide links to the products you've found?

Cheers,

Andy

 

[holidayinn]

Cheers, all twin 54" controllers (i think, yes, the same as a transformer)

Arcadia £62
http/www.charterhouse-aquatics.co.uk/cat...ller-p-793.html
Hagen £38
http/www.seapets.co.uk/products/aquarium...?ref=googlebase
Interpet £36
http/www.onlineaquariumstore.com/acatalo...er_Compact.html

My question is why is Arcadias controller £20 extra? Is this extra £20 'worth it'? or are you just paying for the brand?

Thanks

 

[Underwurlde]

Paying for the brand.

 

[OldMan47]

I would forget all 3 of them. An electronic ballast made for your particular lamp type will be readily available from an electrical parts or lighting company for less than any brand that has a fish's picture on the box.

 

[Underwurlde]

....yeeesss... BUT they do come with one important thing: 'Waterproof' IP rated end covers for the bulbs. The bulbs are used in damp conditions and run at quite high voltages, in many cases just a few inches away from the water's surface: the high voltage & water of course do not mix. Personally, I'd get one with a fish on the box TBH.

Just a thought...

Andy

 

[OldMan47]

You are right Andy. The ballast is not the hard thing to find, it is the bulb end caps that are a specialty item. Right now I have a perfectly good electronic ballast with a damaged end cap and am having a difficult time finding a new one. I am actually considering getting a low wattage kit just to get the end cap.