View Full Version : AH Supply Ballasts
AntmanMike
03-10-2003, 5:25 PM
Can AH Supply Ballasts have water splash on them once in a while without shorting? I am building a canopy for a 29 gallon tank out of two 30" All-Glass Light Strips with the 2x 55 watt AH Supply Light Retro once i have the money.
http://www.kuattech.com/canopy.jpg
Originally posted by AntmanMike
Can AH Supply Ballasts have water splash on them once in a while without shorting? I am building a canopy for a 29 gallon tank out of two 30" All-Glass Light Strips with the 2x 55 watt AH Supply Light Retro once i have the money.
I would use a GFCI and avoid water splashing on the ballasts at all costs.
AntmanMike
03-10-2003, 5:45 PM
<Edit> NM i know what it is i just didnt know that term...
Also, is the heat produced by these ballasts low enough to warrant a complete and seperate enclosure (maybe a watertight box) around the ballast?
A GFCI is a ground fault circuit interrupter - GFCI outlets are generally found near water sources, like a bathroom sink, etc. They are designed to protect people from shocks. They constantly monitor the electricity flowing through a circuit and if there is a change in current, the GFCI will shut off power to that circuit.
EDIT: - now I see you already know all that, from your edit :)
AH ballats run pretty warm - I have mine mounted on the backside of my lighting hood with good airflow, and haven't had a problem with it.
AntmanMike
03-10-2003, 6:06 PM
I am assuming that there is a glass plate or something under that ballast, or else water would splash onto it. I cannot fit the ballast IN the strip-hood, modifying my diagram, could you show me a way to prevent water from touching the ballast?
AntmanMike
03-10-2003, 7:38 PM
Here are some 3D Diagrams I made of my designs (Apparently, with 30" Strip Light Case, and the reflectors, the Ballast is only 5" long (From a picture i found it with a simple proportion), so it should fit inside.)
http://www.kuattech.com/canopy1.jpg
http://www.kuattech.com/canopy2.jpg
http://www.kuattech.com/canopy3.jpg
carpguy
03-10-2003, 9:39 PM
Very elaborate diagrams!
I have an AH Supply 2 x 36w over my 30 and I'm very happy with it. I'll be sticking with them for the forseeable future for new tanks coming in. Nice product.
My ballasts run warm but not hot. The bulbs are hot. If you're picturing very bright flourescents, Compact Flourescent runs much hotter. Not quite incandescent but I wouldn't be able to touch one of the bulbs for more than a few seconds. The ballasts are warm to the touch but wouldn't burn you. Someone (I think it was Superstein) reported having a glass top crack from CF heat. Be sure to vent the lights well and try to keep a little space above the glass.
I don't think the ballast would short out with a little incidental splashing. It seems well sealed. I built a wooden canopy and mounted the ballast to the inside back where it is safely out of the way several inches behind the tank. There is a good bit of airspace around it and if water were to splash on it, it wouldn't sit in the puddle. If its a concern you can move the ballasts away from the tank, mount them in the cabinet, mount them further away from the top. They don't need to be near the lamps.
AntmanMike
03-10-2003, 9:42 PM
Now I just gotta get money for the kit... where can I get a 2x55w kit for $5?
slipknottin
03-10-2003, 9:45 PM
how about a 2x54 watt T5 kit for $90 including the bulbs? Doesnt include reflectors though...
Bulbs only need to be replaced every 2-3 years and they are quite a bit brighter than CFs are.
AntmanMike
03-10-2003, 9:49 PM
I dont exactly have $90. I have like... $5.
slipknottin
03-10-2003, 10:05 PM
$90 for lighting is cheap! Wait till your paying $90 a bulb. :eek: :D
AntmanMike
03-11-2003, 7:46 AM
Also, they would have to be able to fit in a 30" Strip Light case, ballast and all.