175watt MH conversion?

[Youareborg]

I recently purchased a cooltube and I was wondering if I would be able to adapt a light I currently have to work in it. The light I currently have can be seen at http://overgrow.com/edge/showthread.php?t=283162. I was wondering if I would be able to simply extend the wire that is leading from inside the unit (from the ballast I would assume) to the light socket. And wire it up to the cooltube’s socket?
Any thoughts or advice?
Thanks

 

[Guest]

Yeah....isnt a MH bulb to big for a cooltube?

 

[Youareborg]

Well, that is exactly the type of information I need to know. I'm away from my location right now so I can't check if it will indeed fit, but I feel safe in assuming that it WOULD fit. It is a 6" diamater cooltube.
Thanks.

 

[Verite]

You can find MH in a variety of shapes. Heres a 175w MH 10K. Spendy but it would fit.

http://www.elights.com/elights/usmethal1710.html

 

[Youareborg]

Well, I just got a chance to try the fit out and it certainly fit the cooltube just fine. I’m going to give wiring it up a shot here shortly.
Thanks guys, and wish me luck!

 

[guineapig]

the new Hortilux Blue is also a good shape....

I checked out a website at mondogrow and the maxair cooltube was listed as 10' wide which might accomodate a lower wattage traditional MH shape.....

gp

 

[Guest]

Yeah, it works. I started with small wattage security lights and converted them all to a remote ballast that could be placed outside of the closet. Important to remember that wire size (gauge) has to be heavy enough, if smaller gauge is used it adds resistance to the circuit and could overheat your ballast - fire hazard.

In my research before I did it, I found that most recommended not going longer than 6-8 feet of 10 gauge wire. Polarity may not be important, but I was sure to rewire exactly the same as it was in the case. Just extend the wires from the ballast that lead to the bulb (cut each one and wire nut it together, then do the other one). I added 8 feet of wire from the ballast to the bulb fixture and have used it for years, now they are lighting a veg cabinet and hydro cabinet.

Good luck. MAKE SURE YA UNPLUG IT FIRST!

I got lucky - I could use the stock reflectors by clipping glass to it with folder clips.

 

[Mr GreenJeans]

1toke! I've been thinking of something similar - thanks for your experience!

 

[Youareborg]

1Toke, that is exactly along the lines of what I was thinking. But curse this ADD of mine, I’ve changed my mind and am just going to get a 75 buck 600 watt HPS ballast and use that.

Thanks for the help