Fix or not to fix

[tinyfish]

I find it difficult to make these decisions because I feel I can fix many equipment failures but it may not make economic sense to do so.

I have a PC light that I would like to change over to T5's. It can hold two 4' bulbs.

I have a 5' dual HQI 150w / PC fixture with hangers. Again I thought I would change the PC's over to T5's. This would be 4 bulbs, 2 on each side of the MH.
OR
I have a 4' canopy that can accept a 4 bulb T5 retrofit kit I already have.

Also I have a DAS EX1 that needs a new pump. Should I put on a new pump or should I go ahead and purchase a recirculating cone skimmer new.

 

[tinyfish]

I know these questions get asked a lot and I apologize for asking them once again. I just thought that of all places to get an answer it would be RC.

Thank you.

 

[sirreal63]

It depends on the quality of the fixtures. I probably wouldn't put money into a cheap fixture like a Coralife or Odyssea but would a Geismann, AquaMedic and the like. I would fix the DAS, it was a great skimmer.

 

[Dr Colliebreath]

I would change the PCs to T5s. I am in the process of doing it right now. You get more light and better bulb selection.

 

[on the spot]

...I have a DAS EX1 that needs a new pump. Should I put on a new pump or should I go ahead and purchase a recirculating cone skimmer new.

If you need lights I'd change them to T5. If you plan to sell them sell them as is.

Do you have the plumbing fittings for the skimmer? I'm thinking they were metric parts? If you can make it work as new with just a pump I'd most likely go that route. If fixing includes chasing parts or hacking the body I'd sell it as is and buy a new one.

HTH