question on PC ballast/rant on Coralife

Mako

Mako

EET MOR KATFISH
Nov 19, 2001
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Wake Forest, NC
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Lousey Coralife EZ ballast (T8) crapped out on me after 4 years. I hate lousy products and I've made sure Coralife knew it! (I love that "contact us" button) I'm used to the cheap magnetic ballasts lasting for more than a decade. Seems like something as advanced as "electronic ballasts" would at least last more than 4 years. Especially for something that cost $50 that only does marginally better than a $10 shop light.


Anyhow, I'm thinking of converting to PC lighting. Do PC ballasts last any longer or am I barking up the wrong tree if I want something that is going to last for the long haul?
 
Mako said:
Lousey Coralife EZ ballast (T8) crapped out on me after 4 years. I hate lousy products and I've made sure Coralife knew it! (I love that "contact us" button) I'm used to the cheap magnetic ballasts lasting for more than a decade. Seems like something as advanced as "electronic ballasts" would at least last more than 4 years. Especially for something that cost $50 that only does marginally better than a $10 shop light.


Anyhow, I'm thinking of converting to PC lighting. Do PC ballasts last any longer or am I barking up the wrong tree if I want something that is going to last for the long haul?
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Actually, I've had some PC last less time than your T8s by Coral life. I think 4 years is a pretty good time for high out put lights that burn all the time. But actually, I am running T8s on my shop light right now that I picked up from Home depot on top of my 55 for my RES, it cost me 7 bucks for the light and 6 for the bulbs.
But then again, I dont want to think how many lights I have picked up for my tanks in the last 10 years.. yeesh way to many, it feels that I collect lights like some people collect stamps.
 
I know one thing, I certainly do not buy bulbs especially designed for aquarium use for my plant tanks. I can grow anything with GE or Sylvania 6500K bulbs (at $6 each 48" 40W) as anyone can on those $30 rip offs they sell everywhere.

Unfortunately I can't find a cheap source for actinic lights (like, $6 for a 40w) so I'm up the creek on saltwater.
 
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