T5 switch wiring question...

[gREEF stricken]

To the DIY(but knowledgeable) sparkies out here...


Built a canopy for my 90. Gonna wire with 6ea 3' lamps. Have a plethora of ballasts that will allow me to configure at will. Wish to add switches for flexibility in on demand color choices. Thought behind this is the fact that I wish at least 3 of the best growth spectrum and then the other 3 different colors for aesthetics. Haven't gotten to the point of bulbs yet so I can't honestly with any true educated preference say what I like Yet.

That said, initially a was a Ricky Retardo and assumed it would be simple to to get the biggest ballast they made and simply wire together all lamps and seperate each with a toggle switch and VOILA you have ultimate flexi-capa-bility. Well my buddy who is a former sparky of 20 yrs set me straight after a good guffaw at my expense. So my question is...with willingness to mount up to 4 ballasts that will each drive 2 bulbs or just 1, what would you reccomend for a configuration that would best enable the capability of flipping a switch or two(or 3/4) and instantly inspire ooohs and Ahhhs amidst my less than distinguished guests. Hope that made sense.

GS

 

[uncleof6]

What is the effect you actually want? Get yourself 3 Advance Centium ICN-2S39 ballasts, three switches, and three relays (and a wall wart or two,) if you want to get fancy. Perhaps some led moonlights or such, to take the place of a fireplace... You can control each pair of lamps independently. Running single ballasts/lamps would get a bit pricey. Don't be fooled into getting instant start ballasts...the ooohs and ahhs will come after a couple years of hard work and excellent husbandry, not because you have absolute "control" over the lighting... which a casual observer will have no appreciation for, and will not do much for the system overall...it is just spending money.

Best growth spectrum, and subjective "looks" are very different, and ner the twain shall meet. Best compromise is aqua blue and blue plus mix, the other stuff is just fluff. If the lamp is just color, it is a waste of money/energy. Also, you have to remember that how YOU see the light/color is not the same as the way someone else will see the lright/color.

FWIW, I am a journeyman and C10 contractor.

 

[gREEF stricken]

Thanks very much, don't think I could've ASKED for a better answer.

GS

What is the effect you actually want? Get yourself 3 Advance Centium ICN-2S39 ballasts, three switches, and three relays (and a wall wart or two,) if you want to get fancy. Perhaps some led moonlights or such, to take the place of a fireplace... You can control each pair of lamps independently. Running single ballasts/lamps would get a bit pricey. Don't be fooled into getting instant start ballasts...the ooohs and ahhs will come after a couple years of hard work and excellent husbandry, not because you have absolute "control" over the lighting... which a casual observer will have no appreciation for, and will not do much for the system overall...it is just spending money.

Best growth spectrum, and subjective "looks" are very different, and ner the twain shall meet. Best compromise is aqua blue and blue plus mix, the other stuff is just fluff. If the lamp is just color, it is a waste of money/energy. Also, you have to remember that how YOU see the light/color is not the same as the way someone else will see the lright/color.

FWIW, I am a journeyman and C10 contractor.