retrofit tek kit...no instructions

[nemo79]

Ok we thought we were smart today and purchased the sunlight supply tek retrofit kit. The guy at the store said we could just lay it across the top of the tank, no need for a canopy or casing. Well there are no instructions, we can't find any on the web either. We could have bought the marine glo t5ho which has the same wattage all in a case but we thought the tek was better as it has individual reflectors and an electronic ballast. Well we have no idea what to do and the worst is my hubby got a clam and a leather for his tank which are sitting in the 20g with NO fluorescent lights. Can anyone help us?

[IBMGeek]

oh i have this kit, how many bulbs im guessing 4. Look in the ballast diagrams and youll see the color chart. Mines is retrofit so it does not come built into a canopy so youll have to make a braket or put them in your canopy. For the end caps you just strip of a piece on the end and push it in.

[nemo79]

It's 2 bulbs, 2 x 24 t5ho. We're returning it. It cost $139 for the kit plus $40 for the bulbs. I can get the marine glo t5ho 2x24watt with the bulbs in a casing with brackets for $149.

With the retrofit we would have to wire it, make a casing, and then sauder everything which my hubby deosn't have a sauder gun. Big headache. My hubby has to drive an hour to return the kit, pick up the other light and come home. The clam and leather will be fine over night?

[Diver_1298]

Yes, take it back and get the better deal.
one day without intense lighting will not harm them

Jim

[IBMGeek]

Well you dont have to solder anything but I understand about the case part. The retrofits are meant for custom canopies or situations where you dont need a hanging unit. Never heard of the other brand so cant give you advice on that, Does it have individual reflectors?

[nemo79]

The Marine Glo are new lights I think by hagen I can't remember if it's a singular reflector or individual but the hubby is trying to stay in a budget and all other t5ho systems out here are like $300 for 24". My t5ho doesn't have individual reflectors but let me tell u, it's bright and everything is growing and growing and won't stop. I like t5ho's but they don't work for deep tanks thank god our tanks are below 20"

[IBMGeek]

ok now i know what youre talking about. I personally never have seen them but supposedly they are awesome. I have 4 54w t5s tek retro and they are pretty bright but my tank is shallow only 20" tall, any taller and id go MH.

[nemo79]

The Marine Glo's look really nice, the caseing is really different. I will take a pic when we pick it up.