Help!I can't find DIY Compact Fluorescent light directons

[wwinters]

I remember last year reading a lot of people using the ballast from a LOA light (from Home Depot) and putting together a DIY light. I remember there was a great page that had step by step directions for doing it. Now that I need a new light I can't seem to locate the directions anywhere.

Do any of you have the directions or know the web site?

Thanks

 

[Modo]

The HD here doesn't carry VHO ballasts, but what you'll need to look for is a ballast that will fire the wattage of the bulbs you want. Most HD around here only carry normal wattage and High Ouput flourescent ballasts.

The bulbs we use are normally T12 which is the pins on the end of the bulb. There is also T8 and one other that I can't recall. You will need the T12 ballasts. You may be able to find a Magnatek, Advanced or some other brand at any local lighting shop or online shop.

The wiring is straight forward and a diagram is usually on the ballast and an instruction leaflet comes with most as well. It's going to be different for each ballast and # of bulbs you'll be firing off that ballast. So, telling you how mine is wired will be different from someone elses, etc...

Flourescent lighting is really simple to setup. I usually use HD type endcaps and silicone them up around the metal parts. I do have to replace them from time to time, but $.69 a piece doesn't bother me too bad compared to the $$$ you spend on German endcaps. Use the screw type connectors to connect your wires and then run some black electrical tape around each one for safety.

Shop around and you'll find some good deals on ballasts. You may only find the ones that fire 2 bulbs but that gives you more flexibility on your dusk/dawn effect if you have 4 bulbs.

Hope that helps and sorry about the ramblings.

 

[Modo]

I just reread your post and actually have no clue what you mean by LOA light. If this is something you modify for VHO then the above novel I just wrote applies. The only difference is you'll need to map out the wiring before you cut up the LOA light and rewire it the same way in your hood. But, again I don't know what LOA is.

 

[wwinters]

I admit it has been a year since I read about doing this. I think people were taking a cheep "Lights Of America" brand light and just using the ballast from it. buying the other parts and putting together a compact floresent light. OH **@* I typed vho when I meant PC.

 

[jhaag]

LOA makes a 65W PC bulb with an internal ballast that a lot of people are using to light their sumps.

 

[wwinters]

I read some posts about this but the lights are not 10000K
The thing about the DIY directions was that you could use 10000K and Actinic bulbs.

 

[Modo]

It's the same with PC as with VHO...it's all flourescent.

Just buy a bare PC ballast for the wattage you want and wire it up to the diagram either on the actual ballast or the little pamplet that comes in the box.

These things aren't hard. It's really a good beginner electrical project. All you really need are endcaps, ballast, wire, connectors, tape, screwdriver and some needle-nose pliers or wire cutters. Check with the HD guys on the guage of wire you'll need.

 

[KevD1]

Sanjay Joshi wrote a great article on this subject for the now defunct Aquarium Frontiers on-line magazine. You can find the article here. It's a bit old but it's still good. 8) Hope this helps.

Regards,
Kevin