VHO Fixture question

[NJAB]

I have a 4' VHO fixture that has been sitting in the garage for awhile (2009 while). It runs on a series circuit so i was thinking of going to Home Depot to buy cheap 48" bulbs to test the fixture to see if it still works. My question now is can i just pop in some normal output bulbs on the VHO fixture just to test it to make sure it still works, I don't know much about over driving bulbs so im hoping someone can chime in, they will only be on for a few seconds to a minute ( maybe i can return then afterwards :spin1: ). I plan to have 2 165W LED's with the 4 VHO's (if they still work) on my tank.

 

[NJAB]

I forgot to mention this is a T12 Fixture not T5

 

[alton]

4' VHO handles 110w lamps, 4' T12 NO are 40 watts. Unless you can find VHO lamps at your lfs you are stuck

 

[NJAB]

yes that is very true, online they sell a lot of VHO bulbs but i just want to put NO bulbs to test that the fixture still works why spend $50 on 4 bulbs when i can spend $12 to test that it works then buy the good bulbs but i dont want the bulbs to explode (i dont know if that can happen) or blow the ballast or anything like that.

 

[alton]

I am not sure in Texas where you are located but in San Antonio there is one store that still carries VHO lamps and you could drop by with your fixture and test it out.

 

[NJAB]

I wish!! here in El Paso were very limited on anything that isn't the usual.

 

[tkeracer619]

If it lights them it will pop the elements in a hurry however we used to overdrive shoplights all the time by doubling up on the ballasts. maybe worth a try but i wouldn't leave it on for any period of time. If it worked then it likely will work now though so I would just order the proper bulbs.

 

[moondoggy4]

Lucky for me I just went to the LFS and got some expired bulbs and gave it a try, no harm to foul. Maybe see if there any old school reefers int he area maybe they have some bulbs laying around.