Overdriven NO (Canadian Man!)
Hi,
I get seasonal floods on my email account -- so, the idea seems fairly popular. In the US, people have trouble finding T8 supplies - not sure why since most new building construction is required to use T8s or lower power versions of T12. 40W T12s are not allowed since the early 90s. But, the feedback has been quite good. Also, T8s are harder to find in colours other than 3100K, 4000K and 6500K.
As for using T12s. I have tried overdrive T12s with the T8 ballast. I get roughly the same performance as Icecap with 3x or 2x overdrive.
The true test is long term reliability of the setup. Ballasts look fine. At 6 months, bulbs look pretty good. I might replace them to see if there is any preceivable difference. 6500K do pretty well, but actinics aren't so hot. They lasted about 2 to 3 months and their awww factor sort of fizzled out. I am using T8 actinics...I might try T12s and see if they last longer.
- Victor.
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