SamH Posted June 12, 2010 Report Share Posted June 12, 2010 Hey guys, I've recently discovered that along with buying a dud tube one of my double T8 ballasts isn't working any more. Meaning I need to illuminate a 4ft (40cm high and deep) well enough to grow most plants. But, there's a catch, I'm on a budget so nothing really expensive. Should I just get a new ballast or is there a better way? Thanks -Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer Posted June 12, 2010 Report Share Posted June 12, 2010 What's your budget Sam? There is a warehouse lighting place here in town that sells lights to commercial businesses and they have some very good prices. Do you have any places like that around you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted June 12, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2010 Under $50. I'm taking back that faulty tube tomorrow, looking through TM at the moment. Haven't seen any place like that Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer Posted June 12, 2010 Report Share Posted June 12, 2010 Oh, too bad. I looked at some 4ft fixtures there and they were about that price, but they didn't have reflectors. If you pick the right tubes they are only about $10 each too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zayne Posted June 12, 2010 Report Share Posted June 12, 2010 we have on of those down here i can go have a look and see if the have what you need and send it up to ya. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spoon Posted June 12, 2010 Report Share Posted June 12, 2010 http://www.lampspecialists.co.nz/contactus.php they have other stores Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted June 12, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2010 I got my 4ft 865 tubes from Mitre10 mega for Under $5.00, too bad one's faulty How does this look? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer Posted June 12, 2010 Report Share Posted June 12, 2010 Oh, I also saw a 4ft T5 light fitting (no reflectors) at SOG for $60 including the tube. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted June 12, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2010 I'll be building it into a lighthood so reflectors aren't an issue, I'll just paint the inside white. Which brings me to my next question... The lights are just over 4ft long but the aquarium is exactly 4ft long, how do I make a lighthood that fits? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer Posted June 12, 2010 Report Share Posted June 12, 2010 Using ballasts would usually be better as they have a minimal profile,although that T5 fitting I mentioned above had a very tight profile so it would be worth checking out. You can also stagger a couple of shorter fittings - that might be the best way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted June 12, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2010 I did have ballasts, then they died :oops: This is going to be a a tricky one :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted June 12, 2010 Report Share Posted June 12, 2010 Hey guys, I've recently discovered that along with buying a dud tube one of my double T8 ballasts isn't working any more. Meaning I need to illuminate a 4ft (40cm high and deep) well enough to grow most plants. But, there's a catch, I'm on a budget so nothing really expensive. Should I just get a new ballast or is there a better way? Thanks -Sam Yank the ballast, go to a good electrical place, I'd be surprised if it's more than like $15. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted June 12, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2010 I'm waiting on a quote for a double 39w ballast at the moment 8) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted June 13, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 13, 2010 Took the faulty light back this morning and got a replacement easily. This one also does not work :evil: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted June 13, 2010 Report Share Posted June 13, 2010 Took the faulty light back this morning and got a replacement easily. This one also does not work :evil: Hmmm...Maybe it was not faulty to begin with? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishplants Posted June 14, 2010 Report Share Posted June 14, 2010 I'm waiting on a quote for a double 39w ballast at the moment 8) Hi SamH, I have recently priced parts for a DIY T5 setup. I have a written quote for an Osram twin ballast (QTI) that will run a multitude of differing sized tubes (including T8) for $61.50 plus GST, this quote is from Rexel. If you are looking at having the tube/s exposed to water the problem you will have is getting water proof/resistant end caps in NZ. I have a quote to purchase these from a UK retailer for a good price and minimal freight. Another option is the Hagen Glo Electronic ballast, I have one of these in 2 x 39w and am really pleased with it. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joshlikesfish Posted June 14, 2010 Report Share Posted June 14, 2010 I also, need lights for a 4ft =p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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