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how about this for lighting, Can i just swap guts and endcaps to put in VHO lights into my current light hood enclosure?

Second quesiton, Is overdriving lights the same principle as VHO? or is it in the bulb itself that is the difference?

Hi,
The retro fitting kits are less expensive than just
purchasing the factory built system. If you are good with
tools, I would suggest that as a way to cut corners.

Here is "A" site for retro fit kits:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=2004+113347

Here are the bulbs in various wattages and lengths:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=11422&N=2004+113346

Mine are the 4 pins, square configuration.

Here is the VHO selection:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/NavResults.cfm?N=2004+113174[/link]

I believe you can find similar products from Big Al's
as well.

The VHO system over drives the bulbs, but the bulbs them-
selves are designed to carry the heavier currents and
higher voltages. So it's not quite the same as running a
standard fluorescent bulb with a higher output ballast.
You will require a completely different
ballast and a means of cooling the assembly.

Frank

[link]

-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Thanks frank. I think im going to get the compact flurecent 48" retro kit they have... its onsale for 179. But is that enough watts? Am i only limited to 260watts? or can i change the bulbs to a bigger setup to increase my total wpg? it says it uses 4-65watt bulbs can i throw in 4-96watts? which would give me approx 3watts pergal. Anyhow thanks again for the input i really appreciate it.

Shawn

Hi,
If you are going to use the 96 watt bulbs instead of the
lower wattage ones, you may want to try a heftier ballast.
I'm not sure how much "slop" there is in the ratings.
Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Thanks frank! Ill look around..

But is that enough watts? Am i only limited to 260watts?

I personally would not go higher than that. 260w on a 110g is alot of light and you could grow most plants very well. I have 2.7 wpg on my 72g on on a 110 your 260w which would be about 2.5 wpg is probably as strong if not stronger than mine.


My Scapes

I think im bound not to have these lights damnit lol, every ebay auction i have looked at, they will not ship to canada. Ive called various stores and they wont ship to canada. I can get it from bigals here, however after taxes they want $400 and if i get it off ebay i can get it for 270 after conversion and shipping.... Geez lol... sorry guys just venting. Thanks Tetratech for the advice. i'll keep it under 260.