Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have read the below posts , and I believe I understand pretty doggone well and I've read all at the links provided, but my only 2 questions are these:

Will this work on T-12 and T-8 bulbs? I think it should if I understand the concept correctly, but I'm not sure.

What kind of heat do the ballasts and bulbs produce? Is it hot enough to require a cooling fan? Can I still build my "custom" tank hood out of wood, or is it too hot for wood? Fire is a scary concept for me.

Thanks to all who reply.

Matt

I think the basic concept is running a light at double its wattage. I have been reading the posts, and I can no see how this is safe, but seems interesting.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

ive been running mine for over a day now and the seem preaty stable. they seem to to get to hot not enuf to burn any thing i can hold on to any part of the light and it doesnt seem any hotter than a hot shower

light output comparison, and price comparison?
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Matt

i dont know how much brighter, but there bright, and cheap. $7 for each 4ft fixture and the bulbs are you choice for how much the will cost

Matt,

I swear by CF's, but if you can get a T-8 to produce twice the amount of light, there is no reason not to go with the T-8's (as long as you have the room for them). CF's produce about (very roughly) 2x the amount of lumens per watt as your regular T-8. So, the light output between an overdrive T-8 should be roughly equivalent to a CF of equal wattage.

Plus, you can buy 4 foot T-8 bulbs in a variety of different colors (including grow-lux, daylight, etc.) for $3-$8 at any box store . . . and sometimes cheaper. If I was setting up a rack system, this is definitely the way I would go, as long as I could convince myself it is safe.
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Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense

I will keep it in mind, but I am a long way from a rack system....2 foot lights for me right now. But one day it might be nice.

thanks,
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Matt