Retrofit 4 bulb?

[Leddy]

I have a quick question for mounting 4 48" VHO's into my canopy. It is about 19" wide, but about 9-10" opens. (see pics) Could I mount 2 lights on the door, and 2 on the stationary part of the canopy? Would this be possible with the wiring? I'm pretty sure its do-able, but was wondering if you have any suggestions. I plan on getting the URI A4 ballast, still looking for deals though. Also cut a reflector in half so its able to open. Heres some pics to see what I mean about my ghetto canopy. I plan on lowering the height aswell, just been lazy, watching my invert tank all day. Hopefully I'll have the ballast and kit around the middle of may. Any suggestions/comments are welcome. Thanks



Leddy

[Reefland]

Hi Leddy!

Sure you can place 2 bulbs on the stationary part and 2 on the side that opens. Just make sure that when wiring the endcaps you leave enough play in between the endcaps to accomplish this.

If you use URI bulbs, you really don't need a reflector; the bulbs have an internal reflector in them so that will save you some dough.

Scott Z.

[Leddy]

Cool, thanks for the reply Scott. I thought it would be possible, just need to leave some slack on the wires for the 2 on the door. I was looking at the URI bulbs and how they have the 180* internal reflector. I still might use a reflector just for the heck of it. Also, where should I mount the ballast? I was thinking either on top or on the left side of the canopy. Anyway, thanks again for the reply.



Leddy

[daltex]

why VHO's ? j/c..

[Reefland]

I would place the ballast in the stand. You can pick up a 6' wiring harness which should give you plenty of room.

Scott Z.

[Leddy]

I read about a quick disconnect, that will allow me to disconect the lights from the ballast when I have to remove the canopy right?



Leddy

[Elmo18]

I read about a quick disconnect, that will allow me to disconect the lights from the ballast when I have to remove the canopy right?



Leddy

Yup very true. When you perform a quick disconnect, you are taking the ballast with the 3 prong electric and the "quick disconnect connector" that attaches to the endcap wiring. Very easy and convenient, say, if you ever needed to take the whole hood off your tank.

- Elmo

[SteveP]

Yup very true. When you perform a quick disconnect, you are taking the ballast with the 3 prong electric and the "quick disconnect connector" that attaches to the endcap wiring. Very easy and convenient, say, if you ever needed to take the whole hood off your tank.

- Elmo

I made my own Quick-Disconnect plug (parts from radioshack, a soldering iron, judiscious use of heat-shrink insualtors..) and mounted the lights in the lift up hood of my 75. Ballast I think is best in the stand away from the moisture, salt and heat inside the hood, I have two older SunSeeker ballasts wired into one wiring bundle to run 4 46.5" bulbs (48s wont fit inside the hood).

If you do go with the Quick Disconnect, make sure it is wired in at a convenient point - half way along the leads is no help if you half to scrabble about at the back of the tank trying to reach it - mine plugs in about 4 inches from the bulbs, and allows me to completely remove the hood, lights and all in one easy operation.

Steve

[Leddy]

Cool, thanks for the info fellas.


Leddy