DIY: Aquarium PC Lighting

Power compact (PC) lighting provides high output light for coral and plants, but doesn't have the expensive energy or heat problems associated with metal halide. Bulbs are available in a variety of spectrums and sizes, and you can buy the ballasts as part of a kit that includes the necessary wires already connected to end caps and a standard wall outlet. The retrofit kits often come with pre-drilled reflectors for the canopy as well. You can build the canopy out of wood similar to the aquarium stand and outfit it with fans and reflectors to further reduce heat buildup. You can mount the end caps and ballast to a preassembled canopy, as long as the ballast does not receive salt buildup from the tank.

Things You'll Need

  • Drill
  • Screwdriver
  • Wired bulb sockets
  • Ballast retrofit kit
  • Wood screws
  • Canopy with reflector
  • Power compact bulbs
  • 120 mm fans
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Instructions

    • 1

      Assemble the canopy if it is not already preassembled, then measure the length of the bulbs with sockets attached.

    • 2

      Mark the mounting holes for the sockets on the underside of the canopy using a pencil, then drill holes for the screws. Use the holes in the reflector as a guide when drilling the holes.

    • 3

      Mount the reflector and bulb sockets into the canopy. Drill holes for the fans. Measure the length of the canopy and determine the type of material used to build it. A small canopy might only need one fan at the top. A larger canopy might need two fans on the sides and two on top.

    • 4

      Mount the ballast away from the salt spray in the canopy, on the wall, on top of the canopy, or under the aquarium, depending on your preference. Most ballasts have easy-to-disconnect wires if you need to move the canopy.

    • 5

      Place the bulbs into the sockets, plug the socket wires into the ballast, plug the ballast into the wall, and check the lights to ensure they shine brightly.