lighting and test kits

[GoinSalt]

I have a couple of PCs, was wondering how far off the top of the tank should they be when installed in a canopy? Also, should I mount the ballast on the inside of the canopy or maybe on the outside on the back of canopy?

As far as test kits, I notice at the lfs they sell kits for like $75. Do these "monster" kits contain tests that I wouldn't use? Would it be better to just by the tests I need separately (ammonia, nitrites, etc)?

Nate

[Ninong]

I have a couple of PCs, was wondering how far off the top of the tank should they be when installed in a canopy?

There is no hard and fast rule here. If you do not have a shield between the lamps and the water, you will need to have them high enough above the surface so that they don't get splashed with water possibly causing them to break. Most people mount their PCs and VHOs about 4" above the water when that option is available to them.

Also, should I mount the ballast on the inside of the canopy or maybe on the outside on the back of canopy?

I would mount it outside the canopy rather than inside the canopy.

As far as test kits, I notice at the lfs they sell kits for like $75. Do these "monster" kits contain tests that I wouldn't use? Would it be better to just by the tests I need separately (ammonia, nitrites, etc)?

The all-in-one test kits are usually inferior in quality to the better known individual test kits. LaMotte test kits are excellent but rather expensive. Salifert test kits are very good and reasonably priced. I am familiar with both of those brands as I use them. I am not a fan of using cheap test kits. Most of them are a complete waste of money.