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re Lighting Power Compacts or not

I am setting up a 25 gal tank with the Amazonian decor, Angle (which 
     I've had for years, a couple of Discus and something really small. 
     Unfortuatly I am very confused about lighting this tank.  I will be 
     useing CO2 (at a small rate).  Going by the scale of 4W per gallon, I 
     believe 100W will be sufficient lighting.
     
     My options:
     
     Power Compacts (110W, one 6500K bulb, one 7100K bulb) -
     - $180 fixture w/ lights and $45 each year (bulb replacement)
     
     Fluorescents (VHO, with  2 bulbs either 2x40W or 40W + 75W) - 
     - $150 ballast w/ endcaps, 4 bulbs per year = $75
     
     Regular Fluorescents (4 x 20W)
     - $50 2 ballasts, 8 bulbs per year = $150
     
     *Note:  Assuming fluorescent bulbs last 6 months and power compacts 12 
     months.
     
     By my thinking, the power compacts make the best overall deal!!
     Anyone have experience with pc lighting??  Any help would greatly be 
     appreciated.
     
     Thanks, Boris

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I too looked very hard at the  power compacts but decided they were to expensive
I ended up using T8 lamps and electronic ballasts; in addition the reflector
was built using mylar film from a hydroponics shop.
        Reasons for my decision were as follows:
        1. the power compacts are not available locally anywhere

        2. I have seen the 28w power compacts and they are not a "standard
pinout" in any lighting book I can find.

        3. The T8's have a life span of 12 - 24 months (depending on which
manufacturer you listen to).  The ballasts are a standard item readily available
and I can use my old T12 sockets.
        I ended up using a 4 tube ballast ballastronics 570-640x   cost $32 cdn
four tube
        two GE SPX 4100         cost $5.00 cdn
        one Durotest 5000       cost $8.00 cdn
        one Durotest Plant /AQ   (5500K) cost $12.00 cdn
a reasonable setup that is working fine


Alternative might be the new T5 lamps which consume even less power and are the 
most efficient fluorescents yet  
check out
      www.lighting.philips/nam/lit/spec/fluor/p5123.htm
as a start.


Good luck choosing

Wayne Mews