CoralVue 660

Thanks for the response Chris,

Sorry for all the questions but I need to make sure that I supply the correct parts for this project as there will be no time to re-order or design once implemeted.

The lamps that I am looking to use are below:

These T5 VHO (Very High Output) lamps are a brand new technology. T5 HO (High Output) lamps have an initial rating of 5,000 lumens. The new VHO lamps are 7,200 lumens. They have to be paired with a VHO fixture such as the Solar Wind or Solar Flare. They are a 95 watt lamp vs the 54 watt HO lamps.

This still falls within the wattage rating (total 380W) and length limitations that Reef told me about (16' of total lamp). So can I use the coralvue to light all 4, 2 or 1?

Thank you once again,

T.

Chris,

Here are the links to the lamps that I am going to use. If you/your company has an alternative that meets the spec's for these lamp please feel free to make recommendations.

http://www.greners.com/i/grow-lights/fluorescent-grow-lights/tubes/t5-vho/spectralux-t5-vho-3000k-red-4-fluorescent-grow-lamps.html

http://www.greners.com/i/grow-lights/fluorescent-grow-lights/tubes/t5-vho/spectralux-t5-vho-6500k-blue-4-fluorescent-grow-lamps.html

Thank you again your help is truly appreciated,

T.

Chris,

I did some follow up and found that the lamps are the standard length and fit into a standard VHO fixture. Other than purchasing a fixture and tearing it apart for the ballast, is there any way to insure that this is going to work. Typically, I wouldn't be concerned; however, I will not have time to correct or order new ballast in time for scheduled start up.

So am I right in my thinking:

Worse case scenario, I should be able to light 3 lamps with the (285W, 12' of lamp) or would you count on 2 and go from there?

Thanks again Chris I look forward to your answer,

T.

Trent,

I'm going to try the exact same thing in a few days (4x4ft T5 VHO). I'm very interested in your results. I'll post how mine goes.

Chobrut

Chris,

Just now getting to this project and thought I would give you a quick update. The 660 will NOT fire 4 95 Watt VHO lamps. Not sure why this is (the math seems to work) but I can get 2 per to fire and stay on. Is there a mounting spec? Since I have to double up on the ballasts I would like to stack them. I will be using stand offs which will provide approx. 1/2-3/4 inches between ballasts for air flow, the enclosure is in a climate controlled room and will have a push/pull fan combo. Do you have any documentation indicating if this will work? Does my separation need to be greater? Also, these ballasts seem very different from the WorkHorses that I have used in the past, how much noise should I expect from these ballast (I will have a few analog signals in this same enclosure)?

Thanks for your time,

T.

Trent,

The 660 ballast will not power 4 VHOs. We've been trying to get this to work also for some time. Since it will only light two at most, we've found a much more economical solution to be the Workhorse 7 ballasts.

Enjoy!
Chobrut

Excellent, I will keep an eye open for the mod and proceed from there.

Thanks for your time and the response,

T>

I have a few "extra" ballast (only extra in the sense that the project has not started). What is the procedure for sending in items and taking advantage of the modifications? Can I purchase new ballasts with the modification already installed? I just sent in a order to Reef about 4 weeks ago and received my shipment about 1.5 weeks ago, will this have the modification installed already?

Thanks again Chris for all your help and the fast responses,

T.

So should I try to fire the 4 lamp configuration with the new ballasts that I just got in last week? One of them has the serial number: VHO660003512

T.