So, I decided that since I couldn't sell my 30g tank, I would start something cool in it. Not sure where it's going exactly -- maybe a Cichlid tank, but most likely another planted tank. Both of those will require much better lighting.
Enter the ahsupply.com 55w CFL retrofit kit. $45. Sweet. That takes me from a 20w fluorescent tube to a high-power, 10,000K 55-watt CFL. Great for fish lighting, but also great for plant lighting.
Tools required:
Screwdriver
Wire cutter/wire crimper
Drill with 3/8" and 1/8" bits
First step was to take the old ballast (which is what runs the lights, for you newbies) out. That was easy. Take out the bulb, remove four screws, and the whole thing popped out.
I decided to keep the original switch, which you can see near the bottom of the pic there. Next step was to drill a hole for the new power wire (that's the three colored wires there), and some mounting holes for the new ballast on the back. I threaded the new power wire through and secured it with the snap connector.
The new ballast was so big, it couldn't fit inside, so it had to be mounted on the back. It's beefy enough to run two 55w bulbs if I want to, hence the two red wires. Also, my wife's purse is really red.
Old power cord vs. new power cord. Big difference.
New ballast mounted, and the wires run through back into the housing.
Next step was to merge the two red wires down into one, since I'm going to be using only one bulb for now. I can split them back up later if I want to add another.
Wires laid in, ready for the reflector.
Reflector laid in, and the wires for the new socket.
Almost done. Just have to lay in the bulb.
In!
And shiiiiiiiiiiiny!
So, these kits are great for anyone looking to cheaply upgrade their lighting. Will work great for either fresh or saltwater.