I live in Australia. The voltage here is 240 volt. My understanding is that in US it is 120 volt. How will this affect me if i buy a unit from US? Do any modifications need to be carried out?
Thanks in advance
ErrorS
01-24-2007, 3:44 AM
yes, the lights will not work if they're made for 110v/120v.
You can buy plenty of ballasts for 220v/240v, however, most commercials lights you see will require 110v.
You're in luck though, the converters are very inexpensive and I'm sure most electronic stores in your area will carry them. One for 50w here is about $10, you'll pay maybe $30 for one that will good a highend lighting system.
if you can't find them locally there are quite a few on eBay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/500W-110-220V-Voltage-Converter-Transformer-up-down_W0QQitemZ300072910350QQihZ020QQcategoryZ88759 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
this would handle just about any lighting you might need (depending on your aquarium). Of course, if you're looking at 110W you can buy a cheaper 200W converter.. or if you're using two 500W MHs, you would need a bigger one.. I would recommend you get one that can handle 20% more wattage than the lighting you're looking at, just to be on the safe side.
Thanks very much ErrorS. That makes sense. I will go to an electronic store and ask about a voltage transformer.
As far as ballasts go is there any difference between the internal and external ones? I am incertain which way to go.