question about lights

[danelpalfrey]

ok guys, I am looking to fit a second CFL to my brothers nano reef for him #9it is under a dull light at the moment.
I am sticking to the style that is already in there.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4x-18W-G2...452?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4d10cbd47c

Other than the bulb and fitting above will I need anything else?

I know I need to wire it to a plug socket, but will I need a starter motor or anything like that?

Cheers

Dan

I asked this question in the wrong thread and got told I would need the base for it, where would I be able to get the base from?

Cheers

Dan

 

[danelpalfrey]

correct me if i am wrong but this is the ballast?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Helvar-Ma...455?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43cb2741e7
This will as it is hold one bulb? the bulbs to fit would be the 18w which is what the tank has already working out at 1.5 watt per gallon add a second bulb then I get 3 watts per gallon which is great, the main thing for me is spacing these bulbs apart to get rid of the dark area at the front of the tank, I did initially think about moving the existing bulb but chose to go for a second bulb so I can make full use of his co2 set up for him

 

[Duckie]

You lost me at co2. Why do you need co2 in a reef tank?

 

[fsn77]

I'm not completely familiar with that exact style of bulb...
However, that ballast and the style of bulb you linked to above do not match. You'll be far better off matching the bulb type (g24q-2) to a ballast labeled to power that style bulb.

As for the socket the bulb goes into, those should be available from a lighting supply source that sells DIY lighting parts. That same place should also sell the correct ballast for the bulb you're wanting to use.

 

[danelpalfrey]

Cheers fsn I am in England so bnq is my best bet. I was asked to repost here. The tank is a none marine tank but it is set up for tropical fish keeping

 

[Duckie]

The tank is a none marine tank but it is set up for tropical fish keeping

Ah, okay. That makes sense now. Was a little confused since you posted in marine equipment and called the tank a "nano reef" in first post.

 

[danelpalfrey]

It is a nano reef tank that's all. But I have it running tropical

 

[danelpalfrey]

Basically the tank is the orca 450 nano reef. It doesn't mean cause it is called such it can only do that. But as it is a reef tank it was felt that it was best suited in his topic despite my running a tropical set up

 

[danelpalfrey]

ok the ballast bellow matches the bulb type in the tank already

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Helvar-Ma...455?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43cb2741e7

Do I need a starter for this? or is it straight fire and go?

 

[fsn77]

No additional starter needed.
Wire up the ballast to the bulb socket following the appropriate wiring diagram, wire a power cord to the ballast so you can plug it into the wall, insert bulb, plug it in, and let there be light. If you feel like getting fancy, you could wire in a switch to manually turn it on/off.

Please be careful, double / triple check your work, and make really good connections -- no need to risk causing an electrical short and the dangers that can create.