VHO Endcaps

[temple2101]

I am about to wire up a workhorse 7 ballast for 2 110w VHO bulbs. I was just wondering if there is a special endcap I need to use? I notice that so LFS sell them, but are they the same ones that you can buy at say Lowe's or another hardware store? Brand names would be awesome if possible, and where to get them. Thanks guys!

 

[007]

No they are not the same. What ever you buy, make sure that they are water tight. The only name brand that I am aware of is Ice Cap. However there are others available. A common type that is time tested and true are the german made 3 piece end caps. They are readily available online.

 

[dreeves]

Does your LFS use VHO's? If so...what type do they use...
Dont ever buy into that "time tested and true" line...what works for one doesnt always work for another....

 

[007]

Originally posted by dreeves
Does your LFS use VHO's? If so...what type do they use...
Dont ever buy into that "time tested and true" line...what works for one doesnt always work for another....
So then why bother to ask the LFS? If it works for them it doesnt mean that it will work for this person according to your rational.
Furthermore, do you even know what a german 3 piece endcap is?
Find me an example of an individual who uses something other than these endcaps for VHO bulbs for an aquarium. You won't. Know why? Cause their house burned to the ground for not using waterproof endcaps.
Temple:
Stick to waterproof end caps, a.k.a german 3 piece endcaps.

 

[broomer5]

Agree - spend the bucks to get the German 3-Pc
They are made for the hobby - and the hobby is moist.

 

[broomer5]

 

[007]

Yep, those are the ones there broomer! Nice looking set up by the way!

 

[dreeves]

007...
A couple of things...no one stated he shouldnt believe what the LFS says...my only statement was that one shouldnt buy into the tried and tested line...see the thread on IO salt and recent problems as a simple example...one would be far better off in obtaining information from different sources and then formulating a course of action best suited for them based on the information they received....as for what I know about VHO's, their end caps, their ballast, their heat generation or whatever...is not really an issue in this or any thread for that matter...as for burning one's house down...did you read that somewhere, or is this simply spouting off with the keyboard? If you have some statistics on this issue, I would enjoy reading them, please provide some...
Temple...apparently my post was misleading...use what type of end caps your LFS is using...if the LFS sells one type and doesnt use that type inquire as to why.