Power Compact ''German vs. Japanese''

[Donnie]

I’m about to add a power compact retro kit to my grow out tank, any advise would be appreciated. What are the Advantages/Disadvantages in the German style vs. the Panasonic Japanese style systems other that the socket. I noticed that the bulbs are the same price so I am assuming it’s just an availability issue for the bulbs. Quality of bulbs better that the other. Please elaborate if possible.........

 

[Donnie]

^ UP

 

[ErikS]

You got it, the main difference is availability of the bulbs. This also depends on the wattage. It's been my experience that 55 & under it's easier to get the "German" base, over that it's easier to get the "Japanese" base. The internet makes the point kind of mute.

 

[MattM]

There is a more important issue. If you know you are getting genuine Japanese bulbs made by Panasonic, then fine. However, Custom Sea Life, Coralife, and Hello Lights all sell OEM'd Chinese bulbs now. Not Panasonic.

There are quality/reliability issuses with these (cracking, endcap falling off, not firing, etc), they just aren't as good as the genuine Panasonic bulbs. We have discussed these issues with our Custom Sea Life rep, but have gotten nowhere. We are considering going to a different source in order to stock the genuine Panasonic bulbs again.

FYI, Panasonics are only available in 5000K, 6700K and Blue. The 10,000 and 8800K bulbs were always only Chinese.

 

[ErikS]

My 1st buld was a Panasonic - didn't say made in Japan so I assume it's offshore, either mainland or Tiawan. Didn't like the color (still works though). Had a "Chinese" (assumption, from Hamilton Tecnology) for about 10 months - color was gone & it failed, the end cap came off when I tried to pull it out. New bulb is CSL, we'll see.

 

[Donnie]

Thanks for the info..

 

[MattM]

My 1st buld was a Panasonic - didn't say made in Japan so I assume it's offshore, either mainland or Tiawan..

All the Panasonics are made in Japan.

Had a "Chinese" (assumption, from Hamilton Tecnology)

Hamilton imports their PCs from Germany, so it probably wasn't a Hamilton.

New bulb is CSL, we'll see.

New CSLs are Chinese. Good Luck!