Soldering PC lights

mark · #1 10-20-2007, 02:49 AM

I would get the proper end caps.

Look here for some diagrams

Nevin · #2 11-13-2007, 06:57 PM

Thanks Iceturf and Mark for the advice. I also found some useful information at www.thekrib.com. The wiring was actually very simple as I was able to keep the existing biocube wiring minus the endcaps. I'm attaching a few pictures of my project and the solder-and-silicone "endcaps" in case anyone is contemplating doing something similar.

It works nicely at a very low cost--I'm not sure how low as I had the biocube ballast and guts and most of the wood on hand already. I have a few years' supply of square-pin 6700K bulbs on hand as well (Champion lighting clearance at $3 each = $9 after shipping and exorbitant UPS broker fees).

I can't recommend doing this to anyone who isn't comfortable working with electricity. I'll be building another one, freeing up the "good" lights for my first (nano) reef tank in the not-so-distant future.

Regards,
Nevin

IceTurf · #3 11-13-2007, 07:29 PM

looks pretty good, gl and may your tank do well

Bryan · #4 11-14-2007, 04:18 AM

I have been soldering the wire leads from my IceCap 660 to VHO's for years. I was not happy with some of the threads I saw on RC which showed endcaps damaged by arcing and burning, next step to a fire in the hood. With soldering, if done right you get a solid connection. Don't use silicone, but use some heat shrink tubing to cover the connections.