Eclipse 3 Hood Lighting Upgrade

[lefty]

Hello everyone,
I had a thread about this in the New Hobbyists section but I didn't get an answer there. Here is my original post:
I currently have a 29g with two clownfish, two cleaner shrimp, LS, and about 20 lbs of LR. The lighting system consists of two 18-watt, 24" T8 bulbs. I've found that finding replacements for these bulbs is extremely difficult, as most 24" bulbs are 20 watts. I don't necessarily need more wattage, but I would like perhaps a 50/50 and an 03 Actinic (I'm not sure what the current ones are, but they say "Natural Daylight" on them and give off a not-so-pretty, yellowish light). My question is this: Does anyone know where I can find a 50/50 and/or 03 Actinic bulb that meets the requirements? I have also looked at an Eclipse 3 Retrofit kit that's a little on the expensive side that would give me more wattage than what's necessary, but one way or another I'm determined to get better lighting. I am open to suggestions and appreciate any input.
Since posting that, I've been looking into a Coralife Retrofit Kit and had a question about that. If I were to purchase the Coralife 24" 65 Watt Single Strip Aqualight Retrofit Kit, could it be installed into my Eclipse hood with no problems? I'm not sure how it would work, but I'm hoping if it does work, it would just be a simple switch out of the lighting systems with no DIY modification work involved.
Thanks in advance! :joy:
-lefty

 

[saltfan]

First, I don't know about the 65w single strip. I know they make mods for your Eclipse special for those things. Second, why don't you just go out and buy 2 20w bulbs? One 10k and the other actinic? They will work in place of your 18w bulbs. The little diference in the umm, 4watts is not going to crash your lighting fixture.

 

[lefty]

Are you sure the 4-watt difference won't matter? There is an explicit warning inside the hood that says the bulbs shouldn't be more than 18 watts each.
-lefty

 

[saltfan]

I personally would, but its not me. I know electricity. But, ifn this is bothering you, you can buy a retro ballast that will light 15w-40w standard bulbs of your choice, in a T-12 or T-8 range. Its made by CoraLife. And its plug and play, the ballast does not have to be hard wired, it has a plug on it. The ballast kit is only $49.99. And in other words, you can dictate what size bulb your going to use also.

 

[lefty]

Thanks for the info, I'll look into the ballast. I've not had to mess with my tank's lighting yet so I'm still learning the ins and outs of it. Your help is very much appreciated! :joy:
-lefty

 

[92protruck]

I don't know about the coralife fixture. I have the Current 65 watt 50/50 pc retro kit for the Eclipse 3. It goes in very easy without any modification whatsoever.

 

[lefty]

I'm glad to hear it is an easy installation, and I think I'll end up going that route after reviewing all of my choices. In the longrun, it seems to be the most hassle free, and at around $70 that's not TOO bad. I suppose my fish are worth it.

:happyfish
Thank you to everyone once again!
-lefty