Power Compact Question?

[jbjints]

Today I finally purchased 36 Inch 2-96 watt PC's for my 40 gallon high tank, the question I had is, my friend is building me a hood for it, but I am using it now, is it okay if it is laying right on top of the glass, it will only be temporarily, I have also put tinfoil around it so the light doesn't seep out from the sides, front or back, is this setup okay for the time being?

Joe

[Reefland]

Are you using waterproof endcaps on the pc's? Laying the bulbs directly on the glass shouldn't be a problem as long as the endcaps are waterproof. Also, be very careful when "moving" the bulbs, they are very delicate and break often.

Scott

[Strangelove]

I think I would wait until you have your canopy before using the PC's. Despite being florescent they still get hot. I'd worry that lying on the glass might cause them to crack. Just a thought.

[billzie]

Ditto the above, I had glass break from an LOA fixture on the glass. Also, some bulb/ballast mfg recommend the bulbs mounted close to a grounded reflector. Bill.