Compact Flourescent GX-23 Lamp Holders and PLS-13 Watt Lamps

[Dewman]

Guys, I have some questions. I just ordered one of the CPR refugiums for my 10 gallon nano tank, and I need a light for it. I looked at the Jalli lights, and they are just a 13 watt bulb behind plexi. So I am building one on my own.

The 13 watt lamps they sell at Home Depot require a GX-23 lamp holder.
It also says that they can be fired by a preheat ballast.
How is a preheat different than a regular ballast?
Also, does anyone have any experience wiring a 2 pin bulb to a ballast?
I am familiar with the 4 pin, but not 2?

Any help would be great.

 

[Anonymous]

I would move this post to the DIY Forum if I have the power....

 

[baseman]

You can get a GX23 ballast kit from Hellolights for $15

http://www.hellolights.com/13watbalkit.html

 

[Dewman]

Thanks baseman, but for just $8 more, I could get the Jalli light.
I already have a 9-22 watt preheat ballast and the enclosure. I guess I was just looking for someone who knew how to wire a 2 pin light.

I guess I will just keep trying different configurations until one of them works.

 

[Anonymous]

>... I guess I will just keep trying different configurations until one of them works.

Put my name on your house and life insurance.

Seriously, get hold of the ballast company, and see if they can give you a wiring diagram.

 

[baseman]

Dewman - try this link

http://www.konza.ksu.edu/~blbrock/CF%20lights.htm

 

[Dewman]

BEAUTIFUL!
That was EXACTLY what I was looking for.

I have a tip for you guys if you are interested.

4.5 inch brown Vinyl rain gutter works great as a housing for a light fixture. You can use endcaps to cap it off.
What is great, is that the inside of most vinyl gutter is white (at least all I have seen at LOWES.
I am fastening the lampholder to the gutter with 4 small 1" bolts. I am placing an acrylic spacer block in between to take up space and adjust the distance from the bulb to the gutter.
It Is molded in dark brown and looks sharp. I will mount the ballast seperately, but that's ok.
I will post a picture when I am done.

thanks for all the help yall!