PC Overhaul??

[rook]

I have a jbj formosa(sp) pc enclosed light hood, w/ 2-55watt pc's. I am upgrading my lighting to a 250watts mh, and would like to use my pc's as well.
I know that the endcaps and wiring are not setup to be water tight, since it is completely enclosed. How would I make this water tight, so I can gut the ballast, wiring ect from the system and retro fit it into my canopy????
Could I just buy a pair of water tight endcaps and wiring harness and splice and plug??
Any hints or tips??

 

[slick]

I took my jbj pc's and gutted them out and just put them in as is. No problems as of yet.

 

[rook]

Slick, you didn't attempt to at least seal the wires and endcaps with electric tape or that plastic that you melt with a hairdryer?

 

[slick]

nope. I figure if they get bad then I can replace them. But if it works then I saved money. Like I said no problems yet. But mine are also about 7 or 8 inches off the water.

 

[rook]

Hey Slick,
Maybe I'll try that. How long have you had it set up that way?
Did you have any problems gutting the jbj? It looks like it needs to be cracked or cut open to get at the ballast?

 

[slick]

Um I think it's been like 4 or 5 months. As far as gutting the lights. Take out the plastic light guard and remove the bulbs. Then there are screws on each end. Take all them out and the plastic ends should come off. You will have to disconnect the fans switches. Then it will slide apart. It's kind of hard to slide so if you have a rubber mallate that will help. Be carefull there are wires and bolts you have to take off to get it apart. More than likely you will have to cut wires and then hook them back together. I just went and got a little kit with all kinds of wire connectors. Worked great. Good luck let us know how it turnes out.

 

[lurch694u]

Any updates on this subject? I'm going to do this to my formosa this weekend.

 

[lurch694u]

what kind of shrink wrap?

 

[krux]

the water proof end caps are pretty cheap if you have something else to order to defray the shipping cost, like a bulb or something.
i did the same thing on a custom sea life pc hood. csl lamps come with waterproof end caps though as they do not have a lense. really a very easy diy project.

 

[lurch694u]

Ok i pulled all apart and retrofitted it with my dual 250 MH. Looks great! Now I have 760 Watts of light covering my tank. One question tho I Don't have the lights and reflectors in the dead center. I have the reflector starting from the back and going to the middle. Is that ok or does the MH have to be dead center of tank. I will post pictures soon.

 

[lurch694u]

Bump!
DvSkin whats your opinon on the bulbs on the back half of my canopy. It lights the tank really good. Maybe I should have them angle in on a 45 deg angle?