Easy and Cheap Way to Add 30 + Watts to Lighting?

[Freshwater Noob]

Right now I have two T8 40W bulbs over my 55 gallon. I currently have some hornwort, java fern, and amazon sword in the tank and I think that I should up the total wattage to 110W over my tank for long term success. Is there an easy way to add another 30 watts to my lighting (DIY) that will benefit the plants and still give them the 6700K full spectrum lighting they need?

[CBWMN]

Right now I have two T8 40W bulbs over my 55 gallon. I currently have some hornwort, java fern, and amazon sword in the tank and I think that I should up the total wattage to 110W over my tank for long term success. Is there an easy way to add another 30 watts to my lighting (DIY) that will benefit the plants and still give them the 6700K full spectrum lighting they need?

Do a google search for ODNO. You buy an electronic ballast and hook up more wires to the tubes than normal.
I did it and took my 30 watt tube tp about 60 watt output. The tubes run hotter and the life of the tube is shortened. But I've been using the same tube for 7 months now.
Good luck
Charles

[Sploke]

Yeah, I would buy an electronic ballast that will run 4x40w T8 and overdrive the two bulbs you have. Should only cost about 20 bucks.

[beviking]

It'll be hard to find a ballast that will run 4X40 T8 bulbs sploke. I know you know this...just pointing it out. A ballast that will run 4X32 T8 bulbs can be found quite easily though :grinyes:

Overdrive two bulbs or put two more bulbs over the tank. Either way will work.

[Riiz]

http://www.gwapa.org/articles/ODNO/

[CBWMN]

You could use an electronic ballast that will drive 4 40W T12 tubes.
Charles

[Sploke]

It'll be hard to find a ballast that will run 4X40 T8 bulbs sploke. I know you know this...just pointing it out. A ballast that will run 4X32 T8 bulbs can be found quite easily though :grinyes:

Overdrive two bulbs or put two more bulbs over the tank. Either way will work.


lol fine smarty pants....you know what i meant.

[CBWMN]

It'll be hard to find a ballast that will run 4X40 T8 bulbs sploke. I know you know this...just pointing it out. A ballast that will run 4X32 T8 bulbs can be found quite easily though :grinyes:

Overdrive two bulbs or put two more bulbs over the tank. Either way will work.

http://www.ballastwise.com/?gclid=CODtl82UwJUCFQhJagodw3OAQA

Charles

[Commodore 64]

If you are running a shoplight, it may already have a 2x32 T8 electronic ballast in there. If this is the case all you need is another 2x32 electronic ballast which will be really cheap. Wiring is simple.

A 4x32 T8 ballast will run you $28 at Lowes, I just bought one a couple weeks ago and went ODNO myself. Your 2 T8 @ ODNO X 2 will give you ~ 108 watts.

I run 1 T8 ODNOx4 and the other ODNOx2.

This website has everything you need to know: http://www.geocities.com/teeley2/overdrv1.html

Link to 4F32 Ballast: http://www.ballastwise.com/item.asp?PID=34&FID=13&level=1

[Riiz]

Nice link Commodore, definitely worth a read.

[Troy32424]

many people would be surprised to know that just cleaning (or polishing) the reflector in their lights (if used) can make a huge difference in the amount of actual light output of their systems. Proper cleaning and maintenance of this part of lights is commonly underestimated.

[fishdude92]

u should just go to walmart and buy your self 2 4 feet long shoplights and then 4 40w flourescent tube which they have in daylight 6,500k and all this should cost like 30-40 dollars

[JL15219]

Here are some other links to ODNO lighting:
http://www.gwapa.org/articles/ODNO/
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/21257-odno-measurements-power-consumption-vs-light.html