how to wire new lights into old hood?

dallast · 07/26/2008, 11:12 AM

i've got a 220watt hamilton pc hood that has been running for 8 years fine. i would like to at least double my wattage with more pc bulbs (and additional fan, of course). at best, i could replace with t5s!

basically, is it pretty strightforward simply splicing the wiring of the new bulbs in with the current bulb wiring? should i add an additional ballast? how do i add the fan into the wiring? I want to be able to use the current power switches that i have to control all the lighting and fans.

Any guidance would be most appreciated!

CHASDB · 07/26/2008, 12:27 PM

You would have to add another ballast to add more lights. I think it would be best if you got a retro kit, either T-5 or pc if that's what you want. The kit would come with a power cord that plugs into the wall, you could tie the hot into your existing switch along with a 120V fan as long as the switch is rated for your current draw. You might want to post pics, how much extra room do you have?

dallast · 07/26/2008, 03:42 PM

i would really like to keep my current hood, if possible. i have some space limitations and this hood fits perfectly. there is plenty of room to add 4 more 55watt pc lamps (currently, there is much more reflector than lamp showing).

i just worry about splicing in the hot wires to the existing wiring...as you mentioned, need to make sure that it can handle the load. what i need to know is do you simply splice in coordinating wires (red to red, black to black, etc.?). i do not wish to either electrocute myself or start a fire! i am not the handiest of people, so a lot of guidance in this area would be most beneficial!

if too much trouble, can examine a possible complete replacement with a t5 setup? but i do believe this will be way more money. my corals are doing fairly well under the current setup, not growing out of the tank, but growing nonetheless. i'm sure i would love a better spectrum of lighting, but if i can get by with more light, then that works for me.

thanks!

dallast · 07/27/2008, 04:56 PM

i would really appreciate some assistance if anybody else has any expertise....

don't be shy!

thanks!

nikon187 · 07/27/2008, 09:40 PM

you need another ballast to run more bulbs either way. cosider the T5 setup if expenses allow

dallast · 07/29/2008, 02:26 AM

thanks for that! yes, i believe i will invest in an icecap 660 ballast, just to cover all my bases.
still looking for some help on the wiring itself, if possible.

thanks for the help!

07/26/2008, 11:12 AM	#1
dallast Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: henderson, nv Posts: 228	how to wire new lights into old hood? i've got a 220watt hamilton pc hood that has been running for 8 years fine. i would like to at least double my wattage with more pc bulbs (and additional fan, of course). at best, i could replace with t5s! basically, is it pretty strightforward simply splicing the wiring of the new bulbs in with the current bulb wiring? should i add an additional ballast? how do i add the fan into the wiring? I want to be able to use the current power switches that i have to control all the lighting and fans. Any guidance would be most appreciated! __________________ dallast Current Tank Info: 60 gal. mixed reef built into front desk.

07/26/2008, 12:27 PM	#2
CHASDB Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Fullerton, CA Posts: 579	You would have to add another ballast to add more lights. I think it would be best if you got a retro kit, either T-5 or pc if that's what you want. The kit would come with a power cord that plugs into the wall, you could tie the hot into your existing switch along with a 120V fan as long as the switch is rated for your current draw. You might want to post pics, how much extra room do you have? __________________ Charles Current Tank Info: Leemar100G

07/26/2008, 03:42 PM	#3
dallast Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: henderson, nv Posts: 228	i would really like to keep my current hood, if possible. i have some space limitations and this hood fits perfectly. there is plenty of room to add 4 more 55watt pc lamps (currently, there is much more reflector than lamp showing). i just worry about splicing in the hot wires to the existing wiring...as you mentioned, need to make sure that it can handle the load. what i need to know is do you simply splice in coordinating wires (red to red, black to black, etc.?). i do not wish to either electrocute myself or start a fire! i am not the handiest of people, so a lot of guidance in this area would be most beneficial! if too much trouble, can examine a possible complete replacement with a t5 setup? but i do believe this will be way more money. my corals are doing fairly well under the current setup, not growing out of the tank, but growing nonetheless. i'm sure i would love a better spectrum of lighting, but if i can get by with more light, then that works for me. thanks! __________________ dallast Current Tank Info: 60 gal. mixed reef built into front desk.

07/27/2008, 04:56 PM	#4
dallast Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: henderson, nv Posts: 228	i would really appreciate some assistance if anybody else has any expertise.... don't be shy! thanks! __________________ dallast Current Tank Info: 60 gal. mixed reef built into front desk.

07/27/2008, 09:40 PM	#5
nikon187 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Edmonton Alberta Posts: 4,717	you need another ballast to run more bulbs either way. cosider the T5 setup if expenses allow __________________ ----------------- Current Tanks: New 210 custom 84 x 24 x 24, 60g sump, SWC 250 extreme with bubble blaster 5000, 2 vortech mp40, 2 vortech mp10, 12 T5, Water blaster 5000, warner marine bio pellets, 60g clownfish cube, red carpet anemone with a 25g sump,SRO octopus 1000sss, 250w radium, lumenarc large.

07/29/2008, 02:26 AM	#6
dallast Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: henderson, nv Posts: 228	thanks for that! yes, i believe i will invest in an icecap 660 ballast, just to cover all my bases. still looking for some help on the wiring itself, if possible. thanks for the help! __________________ dallast Current Tank Info: 60 gal. mixed reef built into front desk.