Cheap ballasts for tubes

[Hans Engstrom]

I hope these will make a nice addition to my arsenal of "homebrewed lights".

 

http://www.repshop.nl/popup_image.php?pID=...58b418aa7a1c491

 

http://www.seapets.co.uk/product-details/stkcode/661500.html

 

Electronic ballasts with waterproof connectors for the tubes. I have ordered (not from any of the links) one 2 x 40w ($50) and one 1 x 40w ($30) ballast just to try them out. I there´s any interest I will make an update when I have tested them.

[Richard Andrewski]

One of the links doesn't work for me but sounds like you know what you're doing. One guy I know whose also into DIY lighting like me recommended end caps like these:

 

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~CP5111.html

 

They're self supporting for the tube so you don't don't need any bulb clips for extra support. Maybe you can find something like that in the UK locally.

 

 

Also, just add some plastic tube guards too for extra protection:

 

http://health-and-beauty.become.com/shop?q...ar+plastic+tube

 

Lastly, what will you do for a casing and reflectors? The corrugated plastic type is pretty easy to put together. The edge protection is done on pro models with plastic U or A shaped extruded channels. These channels can be tough to find, especially in small quantities, but can also be fashioned from thin gauge sheet metal bent into a channel with about 5mm inside to fit around the corrugated plastic. Then, just rivet these to the plastic around all the edges. Corners can be fastened together with thin gauge sheet metal or aluminum angles.

 

You can include gooseneck "soft" pipe at the ends for barndoors as well. Looking forward to seeing your work.