VHO/ballast question

[mattw21]

I recently decided to upgrade my lighting system from regular output(2 24" bulbs) to VHO (2 24" bulbs). Being a college student and not a rich man by any means, I did some reading on DIY projects and found I can save some money by picking up a ballast at Home Depot. The ballast I have is a High Output rapid start which can power up to 2 96 watt lamps. When testing the system, before installation, I noticed the bulbs seemed to be very warm after being on for a short period of time. Just wondering if this is normal for VHO?? (when testing, I used one VHO 75w bulb and one regular 20w bulb, I am picking up my 2nd VHO bulb this week)
Thanks for any help/advice
Matt

 

[option720]

From what I remember, using a ballast that in not meant for the exact application will cause you bulbs to burn out faster. I hope that helps, if anyone else knows, please add you comments.

 

[mr . salty]

You are actually quite lucky you didn't burn up the ballast when you ran those unmatched bulbs in there...If the ballast is rated for two 96 watt bulbs,,That is what you should use..By the way,,VHO(very high output) and HO(high output) are not the same...If you are plannibg on running VHO bulbs,,You NEED a VHO ballast...In addition,,Running two 75 watt VHO bulbs on a 2x96 watt ballast will cause problems..The bulbs WILL burn VERY HOT,And burn out quickly..
[ September 24, 2001: Message edited by: MR . SALTY ]

 

[mattw21]

Thanks for your reply, I am aware of the difference between HO and VHO and was only using the 20 watt as a test to see if I had good connections before trying to install it. The ballast label says it will power not only 2 96 watt bulbs but: 2 F96T12HO, 2 F96T12ES, 2 F84T12HO, or 2 F72T12HO. If this still sounds like the wrong tool for the job, have you any idea where an ideal ballast can be purchased for least amount of $$$???
Thanks again

 

[von_rahvin]

amen to that, getting lighting is really expensive, i'll add my plea, how about a cheap (this being a relative term) ballast for 2 160 watt vhos, i can get one for like $169 is that a good deal?

 

[mr . salty]

I say again,VJO,and HO are not the same...You should not use VHO bulbs on a HO ballast...You could of corse try it,but I fear you will not be happy with the bulb life...As for where to get the correct ballast,,,I can't tell you here...It is in violation of our "NO LINKS RULE" on this BB...

 

[javajoe]

Hey Matt...
I am not a college student, but am a "married man with a recently laid off pregant wife with a baby due in april", and am also finanically challenge...
we are trying to cut costs on the project anywhere we can... can you post some more specific information about your lighting setup? I found a few links on DIY lighting, but not being very electrical, don't know alot about what ballasts, etc to buy.
(did take a trip to home dep*t to look at ballasts, didn't really know which one to buy...)
Thanks...
Joe

 

[fender]

Guys if you are interested in cheap MH lighting go here.
This is what's above my tank.
250w's for $100
Fender,,,Although your link contains alot of GOOD info,,it also contains active links to oline stores...As you know this is in violation of our "NO LINKS RULE"...MR.SALTY
[ September 26, 2001: Message edited by: MR . SALTY ]