Hi,
You'll be fine...I am using this configuration at this time with my VHO actinics. As for what type of current levels this would be equivalent to, it would be similar to what Icecap is driving its lamps with (around 50 to 60% of the maximum VHO current).
I have been doing experiments to determine how the Icecap has been able generate VHO level output with lower current/power. I think I have figured out why...it has to do with the temperature of the bulb. The higher the temperature, the lower the efficiency of the VHO. By driving less current, the temperature drops and the efficiency rises. Although the current drops by 40%, the efficiency can rise by 20 to 30% (depends on the temperature)...so they almost cancel. This effect can also be seen on overdrive T8s too....the explains why 4x and 2x overdrive are very similar when they are left on for a long period of time. So, I have reverted back to 2x on my main 6500K lamps and 4x for the VHO. T5s and PCs have been improved such that they can run hotter before it degrades...about 20F hotter.
- Victor.
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