DIY Icecap...its not what you think

[striker3636]

Question

Question

Here's my question... If the new thought is that its best to run the tubes at 2X instead of 4X, does that mean I can run two tubes off a single 4 tube ballast, or is there some reason why I should still use one ballast per bulb? Is there still a benefit to using a 4 tube ballast if only running 2X, or would a a 2 tube ballast for a single tube give the same results?
Thanks

 

[ScottT]

You got it all right... only advantage with one ballast per bulb is the ability to turn them on at different times.

 

[marm64]

I got a Mororola instant start balast and it is for up to four bulbs and was wondring if I am only going to overdrive 2x does it matter which wires I use? does it matter if I use the blue, red, or one of each?

Thanks

 

[H20ENG]

I'd use 2 reds on one tube, and the 2 blues on the next. Then 1 yellow to each.

 

[sauer]

Has anyone tried the GE B432L120RH 4x Instant Start Ballast. I guess I would overdrive two bulbs with it, after reading reefburnaby's posts.

Just curious if anyone has had any experiences with this particular ballast.

Thanks

 

[H20ENG]

I'd say that as long as it states for 4 f32t8 lamps, it'd do the trick.

 

[sauer]

reefburnaby or anyone else -

will an F032T8 work the same way as the F32T8?

I have been able to locate those bulbs in 6500k.

 

[jjkahler]

F032 is the U-tubes correct? or is that F031? Anyway, should still work either way. Although if they are the U-tubes, I would think twice as these are VERY expensive (the U-tubes).

 

[sauer]

They are made by Sylvania and no they are not U tubes.

The guy at one store told me they use a different gas and a guy at another store said there is no difference.

It is called an octron T8.

 

[reefburnaby]

FO32T8 and F32T8 are equivalent. Sylvania just calls them differently...go figure.

- Victor.

 

[sauer]

I got it up and running tonight and wow, I am pretty impressed. I've got two over my 75 and plan on adding two more and a 4x VHO. Very nice

 

[pmui]

Can anyone recommend a 48" atinic tube that work OD?

Peter

 

[GROSSR]

Let's revive this thread.

How is everyones tank doing with the new lighting idea.

Do you think you system is better with this lighting? Worse?
What are your sources for T8 bulbs?

thanks

 

[Chrismo]

I've had 2 bulbs a 2X OVERNO for about 9 months now. They seem to be doing great. Dont look to be yellowing or dying yet either... and compared to the normal output ones right beside them, they are definitly brighter

I have 2 actinics that have been at 2x for a year and a half, and they still seem bright too, but I dont have any 1x reference bulbs to compare to.

Chris

 

[Reefer2]

I'm using 2 URI VHO's at 4X OD (actually 1/2 power) with 1 - T8 at 2X OD on a 90G. This lighting is great. I've got SPS, LPS and softies that are all doing good.

 

[GROSSR]

Reefer2 : The VHO's are 2x OD each (one ballast), and the 1 T8 is 2x OD on another ballast???

thanks

 

[Reefer2]

I drive the VHO's with an Advanced transformer meant for 4 T8's. This ends up being about 80 watts which is half what the VHO's are meant to run at. They produce a good quality light with little heat, for short money. The T8's are certainly cheaper, but I found the 6500K's to be a little too yellow for my taste. Combining the T8's with the VHO's seems to be a great mix. My T8's are 2X OD. These are all on a great little reflector I picked up that holds 3 bulbs. I'll look for the link if you're interested.

 

[badpacket]

T5's

T5's

This may be dumb, but would there be any sense in overdriving T5's? I guess they are still expensive, however I'm thinking of changing from PC's to NO's or T5's.

In fact, anyone got any data on how T5's compare to PC?

 

[-=Zepplock=-]

Ok. Couple of dummy guestions.

I have 20g freshtank.
With 1x15 watt (18'') lamp.
bought 4x32 ballast (recommended by author).
Connected yellow wire on one side, 2 red wires on other side.

questions:

1. I suppose I have now around 4X light?
2. didnt wire a grond from ballast - do I really need it? How to wire it If I need to?

 

[-=Zepplock=-]

Just installed everything.
About 3 hours, 2 trips to home depot. ;-)

I can't say it's 4 times more light, but definetely brigter ;-)