Electric peeps - ballast question

[Myka]

Thanks Mike! So you're saying that if I run 2 bulbs on each Work Horse 5 they will be over-driven? If I run 3 bulbs on each Work Horse 5 they will not be over driven. Correct?

I have wired up the Tek Retrofit kits before, so I have an idea what to do. I can follow wiring diagrams. I like your idea with grounding the reflector - I did get a "tickle" from touching the reflector and water at the same time.

How much are these end caps you have? I will be needing 8-12 of them depending if I decide to run 4 or 6 bulbs, so finding a good source would be great! I'm going to put a Reef Brite XHO strip down the middle of the fixture too. I have an Aquatic Life hanging kit with the "arms" coming over the top (instead of hanging from ceiling). I will finish by installing a "wrap" instead of a canopy that can easily be slid off the front for tank maintenance. I'm hoping for a nice clean look with some big PAR.

[mike31154]

Originally Posted by Myka

Thanks Mike! So you're saying that if I run 2 bulbs on each Work Horse 5 they will be over-driven? If I run 3 bulbs on each Work Horse 5 they will not be over driven. Correct?

How much are these end caps you have? I will be needing 8-12 of them depending if I decide to run 4 or 6 bulbs, so finding a good source would be great!

The tubes will not be over driven if you use the appropriate wiring diagram. According to the chart for the T5HO F39 tubes, to run 2 lamps on one of the ballasts, you would use wiring diagram 9. Fairly straightforward, you use 2 red wires, one red to an end cap for each tube & cap the rest. Yellow to other end cap on each tube. Each end cap needs a jumper wire.

I think I have 8 of the water proof end caps & they are yours free if I can find them in my cluttered basement electrical graveyard. The reflectors are too messed up from salt spray to be any good. I've attached a double row of LED self adhesive strip lighting to one of them and am using it as a shop light, so that will likely be the fate of the others I still have. Tried cleaning & polishing them but it's a lost cause. At least they're not a total loss, I have plenty of the LED strips left.

[mike31154]

Hey there M. I've located the waterproof T5HO end caps/sockets. 4 pairs, sufficient to build up 4 tubes. Do you want them? Shoot me a pm with mailing details & they'll be on their way.

[Myka]

Originally Posted by mike31154

Hey there M. I've located the waterproof T5HO end caps/sockets. 4 pairs, sufficient to build up 4 tubes. Do you want them? Shoot me a pm with mailing details & they'll be on their way.

Will PM right now. Thanks!