DIY Icecap...its not what you think

[GROSSR]

Not to burst your bubble, but, the original author said he tested out his lighting and found that 2x was optimal.

It took me quite a while to find it. He started with the 4x and then reported that with a meter he found 2x just as good and not nearly the heat.

LoL

rich

 

[-=Zepplock=-]

Well, GROSSR.
Depends on how you answer my questions ))

 

[Reefer2]

Reefburnaby originally used a 4X32 (about 100W net) ballast on a 48", 32W T8 bulb, but then determined 2X OD is a better solution like GROSSR pointed out.

IMO, the most you should be overdriving an 18", 15W bulb is with about 30W. That would be 2X. You could always try 45 or 60W (3X + 4X) but the extra heat and loss of efficiency may be a drawback.

Be careful, but more importantly - be smart.

 

[-=Zepplock=-]

ok. again.

connecting 15w lamp to 32w ballast gives 2x overdrive or no?
i

 

[Reefer2]

You said that you had a 4x32 ballast. If you connected all 4 wires from it to your single 15W bulb, there would likely be trouble.

If you connect a "single" wire from a 4x32 ballast, that would 2X overdrive a 15W lamp. This would probably give you a very nice light.

 

[-=Zepplock=-]

Reefer2 - nice. Thanx.

I connected 2 wires. Really bright. But bulb is bad. 3100K I think.
I plan to get 5000K or 6500K and probably unwire 1 wire and stick with 2x.

But 4x is ok for me now. Bulb is hot but I can keep hand on it for a long time. Ballast is hot but not very hot.

 

[-=Zepplock=-]

So, noone aswered about grounding.

I didn't connect it. Should I?

 

[tag007]

Ground the Ballast and the reflector. Doing both will not only make it a safer setup,it will give you longer lamp life (helping in generating a startup arc), and it will reduce the EMF generated by the ballast and lamps (which tends to grow when overdriving).

-TAG

 

[-=Zepplock=-]

My reflector is not metal - just white plastic (I have plans to put new one, gonna google around for that).

 

[larrylwill]

I just finished this whole thread, 3 hours reading whew!! I am buying 25 FLD32T120-6 Electronic ballasts. They run 3 T-8 tubes Im going to replace my 2-175W MV bulbs and 2- 40W Atinics used for the last for 8 years (not the same bulbs), which should look better and be cheaper to run. I tried MH but their too expensive to run if you buy a decent Bulb $60-$90 per year for 1 a 5500k minimum is $60. I plan on running at 3x possibley 2x. I will use some of the other ballast to replace my living room lights which are floresent 8 of them inderect and overdrive them 2x. Besides I built everything myself and dont want to stop now. The MV have do ok thus far. Everybody thinks Im crazey though. I use coated bulbs.

My question is what is the recommended amount of 2 or 3x overdriven 4' bulbs for a 55 gal. Tank. I have mostley shrooms and zoos. I was thinking 2 T8-32w x2 or 3 and 1- 32w atinic x2 or 3. Right now I will use my T12 Atinics as I have 4 new ones. Do you think that will be sufficent.

I should also have some left over if anybodys interested PM me. I should be able to sell them for $10 each and a couple dollars shipping. They will be new.

Thanks

 

[Reefer2]

I used 2x OD on T8 bulbs (6500k) based on Reefburnaby's suggestion. But I use all 4 outputs (about 90W I think) to run URI VHO tubes. This is a little more than half the normal current for these tubes (160W) but they look sweet. I'm hoping to get double the life of the VHO tubes by running half current.

The reason I went with VHO's is the 6500K's burn a little too yellow for my taste, and the actinic T8 bulbs do not overdrive very well at all.

 

[rick23]

Victor,
I only have one question.
The actinic T8 bulbs do not overdrive very well is base on 4x right?
Did you tried on 2x, cos the T8 6500k is good for 2x.

And I told my uncle about this threat, he found me a pic.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=14464
take a look, but I think it can't stop me to try this..

Rick

 

[rick23]

Victor,
I only have one question.
The actinic T8 bulbs do not overdrive very well is base on 4x right?
Did you tried on 2x, cos the T8 6500k is good for 2x.

And I told my uncle about this threat, he found me a pic.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=14464
take a look, but I think it can't stop me to try this..

Rick

 

[larrylwill]

I have put 2 - Atinic in series and use 3 outputs to drive them, you can see the difference and there not too overdriven. Like 1-1/2 times.

 

[pendulum]

HD as 2x ballast for $7.45

HD as 2x ballast for $7.45

HD has "work lights" they are t8 electronic ballasts (says so right on the box) They are setup for 2 bulbs 2', 3',4'. It comes in the tipical garage light housing. Perfect set up to easily overdrive a bulb with minimal effort. The best part is that everything is included for$7.45 here in ohio.

They care made by Commercial Electric called shop light.
They also make some bulbs (sold separately) t8 5000k 2 bulbs for $3.99

If you need 4 foot bulbs this makes it very easy and cheap. If you need 3foot cut off a foot of the housing and you are set.

I plan to throw 2 ballasts into one housing and use 2 lights.

just wanted to let you know. hope i didn't miss this same info somewhere in the post

shawn

 

[pendulum]

don't buy the above hd fixtures, yet

don't buy the above hd fixtures, yet

Had a little difficulty getting one to fire up tonight. I will recheck ground and wiring. Just don't want to recommend these ballasts if they arent going to work well.
shawn

 

[9axle]

I have been looking for this info for months, just didn't know what to look for. has anyone had any bad experiences with this?

 

[GROSSR]

None here. I have 2 t8's 2x and they work great. I have a t12 vho actinic 4x.

rich

 

[whaase]

I've been running 4 - T8 bulbs, all 4x overdriven for 1 1/2 years now. Works perfect!

Walter

 

[9axle]

I guess i'm off to the home dump.....