possible lighting/wiring combination

Massengill · 01/14/2009, 04:59 PM

Is it possible to wire up an odd number light combination, let's say 5 lights. I always see either a single bulb, two bulb or 4 bulb combination in fixtures, and the ballast I have looked at never mention wiring a 3 or 5 bulb combination. I'd like to build a five bulb MH fixture. I am not fixed on MHs, it could be a T-5, PC or CF set-up. I am flexible on the bulbs, whatever it takes to make it work I would like to attempt.

Here is my plan (from left to right looking at the tank):

1000 or 2000k from 7 to 9am
10000k from 9am to 1pm
6000k from 9am to 5pm
20000k from 1 to 5pm
2000 or 3000k from 5 to 7pm
4000k from 7pm to 7am

All daytime bulbs would be 100watt MHs
the nighttime bulb would be a 25watt CF

My goal is to simulate sunrise to sunset with moonlighting. I also debated on only using three daylight bulbs.

For example:

1000 or 2000k from 7 to 9am
6000k from 9am to 5pm
2000 or 3000k from 5 to 7pm

If someone has a better way of doing this or something similar, please provide info. I know a 5 bulb MH set-up would be hot, and run up an electric bill, so any info on other bulbs to consider would be nice too.

oldsaltman · 01/14/2009, 05:43 PM

Yes

oldsaltman · 01/14/2009, 05:46 PM

I made my T5/MH lighting and used one ballast per bulb. You can turn anything on/off you want to without turning it all on/off.

Massengill · 01/14/2009, 06:30 PM

Oh, I was thinking of 1 all mighty ballast to run all 3 or 5 MHs and incorporate some timers.

oldsaltman · 01/14/2009, 06:48 PM

I don't think it will work that way. The timers on the ballast not the bulbs!

01/14/2009, 04:59 PM	#1
Massengill Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Minot AFB, ND Posts: 189	possible lighting/wiring combination Is it possible to wire up an odd number light combination, let's say 5 lights. I always see either a single bulb, two bulb or 4 bulb combination in fixtures, and the ballast I have looked at never mention wiring a 3 or 5 bulb combination. I'd like to build a five bulb MH fixture. I am not fixed on MHs, it could be a T-5, PC or CF set-up. I am flexible on the bulbs, whatever it takes to make it work I would like to attempt. Here is my plan (from left to right looking at the tank): 1000 or 2000k from 7 to 9am 10000k from 9am to 1pm 6000k from 9am to 5pm 20000k from 1 to 5pm 2000 or 3000k from 5 to 7pm 4000k from 7pm to 7am All daytime bulbs would be 100watt MHs the nighttime bulb would be a 25watt CF My goal is to simulate sunrise to sunset with moonlighting. I also debated on only using three daylight bulbs. For example: 1000 or 2000k from 7 to 9am 6000k from 9am to 5pm 2000 or 3000k from 5 to 7pm If someone has a better way of doing this or something similar, please provide info. I know a 5 bulb MH set-up would be hot, and run up an electric bill, so any info on other bulbs to consider would be nice too. __________________ I have small plans for my mini-reef tank Current Tank Info: 30 gallon salt

01/14/2009, 05:43 PM	#2
oldsaltman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ga Posts: 1,333	Yes __________________ "No honey I can't just send it back. It's all wet and they won't take it back now!" Current Tank Info: 90g inwall with a 30g sump

01/14/2009, 05:46 PM	#3
oldsaltman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ga Posts: 1,333	I made my T5/MH lighting and used one ballast per bulb. You can turn anything on/off you want to without turning it all on/off. __________________ "No honey I can't just send it back. It's all wet and they won't take it back now!" Current Tank Info: 90g inwall with a 30g sump

01/14/2009, 06:30 PM	#4
Massengill Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Minot AFB, ND Posts: 189	Oh, I was thinking of 1 all mighty ballast to run all 3 or 5 MHs and incorporate some timers. __________________ I have small plans for my mini-reef tank Current Tank Info: 30 gallon salt

01/14/2009, 06:48 PM	#5
oldsaltman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ga Posts: 1,333	I don't think it will work that way. The timers on the ballast not the bulbs! __________________ "No honey I can't just send it back. It's all wet and they won't take it back now!" Current Tank Info: 90g inwall with a 30g sump