retrofit light question

stashmoney82

stashmoney82

AC Members
Mar 1, 2006
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cleveland
has anyone ever taken apart a lightin system( for instance current usa fixture) and retrofitted it in a canopy? dont know if the connections in a real retrofit are different or waterproof or something. also can the ballasts be taken out of the fixture and attached to the canopy since they are not remote ballasts. any help appreciated.
 
In theory, you could do that. But, you'll most likely find yourself spending some additional money on parts -- wires, waterproof endcaps, endcap mounts, etc. Current USA is just a brand -- is it PCs, T5s, MHs? The wires from the ballasts can be extended in order to mount them outside the canopy (within a reasonable distance).
 
its a pc 260 watt fixture. do i need waterproof endcaps or could i use the ends that the bulbs pluginto now? will they corrode or short out if i use them? thats my biggest question, is it ok to have an exposed ballast and exposed connections hanging in the canopy?
 
Depending on the height of your canopy and how well it's ventilated, you may or may not run into problems. Exposed connections will likely corrode and the humidity will not be good for the ballasts or endcaps. With the ballasts inside the canopy, heat will be trapped in there, which can lead to issues with the tank's water temperature and may shorten the life of the ballasts. Without more detailed descriptions of where things are located and the design of your canopy (pictures are always helpful), it's hard to say how much risk there is.
 
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