Lighting Identification - Aquarium Advice

Aquarium1 · 07-27-2009, 01:46 PM

I got a light fixture on criagslist. I think it is a perfecto 48" but not sure. Could someone please post a pic of the writing on the back of their perfecto or type if they have to? Also do perfectos have a rubber piece on the switch? I really need help. I'll post some pics soon, once I get some probably today. I need to find out what brand so I know what lighting to get.

Aquarium1 · 07-27-2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquarium1

I got a light fixture on criagslist. I think it is a perfecto 48" but not sure. Could someone please post a pic of the writing on the back of their perfecto or type if they have to? Also do perfectos have a rubber piece on the switch? I really need help. I'll post some pics soon, once I get some probably today. I need to find out what brand so I know what lighting to get.

It has 4 vent sections.

Thank you.

**jsoong** · 07-27-2009, 03:01 PM

You don't need to know the brand to get the light bulb!

From the markings on the back, this is a 48" single T12 fixture. You can use any of the standard 48" (T12) bulbs from the hardware store. Personally, I would choose a 48" daylight/full spectrum bulb (looks better.) You may be able to use also a 32W T8 bulb if this fixture has an electronic ballast. The T8 & 12's have the same pin holder & should be interchangeable, as long as the ballast will light the bulb. <T8's are more efficient, so less $$ on running it, plus runs cooler ... most newer ballasts will run it - in addition to the 34/36W energy saver T12's.>

Aquarium1 · 07-27-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsoong

You don't need to know the brand to get the light bulb!

From the markings on the back, this is a 48" single T12 fixture. You can use any of the standard 48" (T12) bulbs from the hardware store. Personally, I would choose a 48" daylight/full spectrum bulb (looks better.) You may be able to use also a 32W T8 bulb if this fixture has an electronic ballast. The T8 & 12's have the same pin holder & should be interchangeable, as long as the ballast will light the bulb. <T8's are more efficient, so less $$ on running it, plus runs cooler ... most newer ballasts will run it - in addition to the 34/36W energy saver T12's.>

Thanks soo much. How can I tell what ballast it has or is it even possible?

beglely · 07-27-2009, 08:21 PM

I opened mine up and looked up the ballast on the internet for compatable bulbs. Usually it will list on the ballast tho which bulbs it is compatible with (or at leawst mine did)

Aquarium1 · 07-27-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beglely

I opened mine up and looked up the ballast on the internet for compatable bulbs. Usually it will list on the ballast tho which bulbs it is compatible with (or at leawst mine did)

Where is the ballast on a fixture?

beglely · 07-27-2009, 08:59 PM

well on a perfecto hood you need to remove the bulb first, then unscrew the three screws in the back outside of the hood. this unhinges the metal cover on the inside of the hood. The ballast is located within..

Aquarium1 · 07-27-2009, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beglely

well on a perfecto hood you need to remove the bulb first, then unscrew the three screws in the back outside of the hood. this unhinges the metal cover on the inside of the hood. The ballast is located within..

Thnx I'll hav 2 do tht som time.

**jsoong** · 07-29-2009, 01:49 AM

You can open the fixture to look at the ballast, or just borrow a T8 tube & see if it fits. If it lights up, you are good to go!

<And the ballast then is at least a hybrid electro-magnetic one, if not a full electronic one. Another way to guess without opening the fixture is by weight. The old magnetic ballasts are big & heavy - like 2-3 lbs, while the electronic ones are only 3-4 oz. If the fixture is really heavy, esp on one end, it prob has an old ballast.>

Aquarium1 · 07-29-2009, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsoong

You can open the fixture to look at the ballast, or just borrow a T8 tube & see if it fits. If it lights up, you are good to go!

<And the ballast then is at least a hybrid electro-magnetic one, if not a full electronic one. Another way to guess without opening the fixture is by weight. The old magnetic ballasts are big & heavy - like 2-3 lbs, while the electronic ones are only 3-4 oz. If the fixture is really heavy, esp on one end, it prob has an old ballast.>

I'll check in the morning and update as soon as I can.