Ketso
Aquarium Advice Freak
I am getting ready to purchase the materials I need to do a custom hood/lighting setup for my 55g. My intention is to stay between 1.5 and 2wpg.
Under a bench in my shop, I have 4 or 5 older shop lights that are still in working order. From what I can gather on the web, the ballasts in this type of light are usually capable of running a 40watt bulb. Can the parts I need, including ballasts, be scavenged from these and used for plant lights? If so, would I need 3 ballasts to run 3 36(ish) watt bulbs? Or is it possible to run fluorescent bulbs in series?
I've have a bit of experience with wiring and lighting. Just not much when it comes to fabricating my own. Usually, I am dealing with purchased units that just need hardwired into a house or shop.
Any help is appreciated!
EDIT: I just came in from the shop where I found 2 ballasts that are rated for 2 bulbs at a max of 40 watts. I am really hoping to be able to use these.
Under a bench in my shop, I have 4 or 5 older shop lights that are still in working order. From what I can gather on the web, the ballasts in this type of light are usually capable of running a 40watt bulb. Can the parts I need, including ballasts, be scavenged from these and used for plant lights? If so, would I need 3 ballasts to run 3 36(ish) watt bulbs? Or is it possible to run fluorescent bulbs in series?
I've have a bit of experience with wiring and lighting. Just not much when it comes to fabricating my own. Usually, I am dealing with purchased units that just need hardwired into a house or shop.
Any help is appreciated!
EDIT: I just came in from the shop where I found 2 ballasts that are rated for 2 bulbs at a max of 40 watts. I am really hoping to be able to use these.