HDIK if I can upgrade bulbs in generic hoods

[nanshaw2001]

Sorry....know this is a super newb question but funds are limited and I looked at the hoods for electrical info etc. and saw next to nothing. Have a 55 and have some mushrooms etc. Wondering if I could safely upgrade my 15w 18" Aqualife bulbs to something of a higher quality/output in the hoods I have until I can afford to do something fancier? All input appreciated! Thanks, Nancy

 

[ac7av]

I don’t think you can do that. The ballast in your hood drives the tube and is probably only rated to drive that wattage of tube to its full potential. You could replace the tube with a VHO bulb and it will probably light but you will not get any more output from it that you are currently getting. You will need a retro kit to replace all the guts of your hood to get more output. You could probably find a hood cheaper in your local classifieds that has every thing you want and maybe more.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Keep an eye on Craig's for good deals on T-5 or low powered metal Halide fixtures(250w and lower)

 

[nanshaw2001]

Well...ya'll answered with what I thought but not what I'd hoped to hear. Bet with my enthusiasm...my lack of funds may actually become an attribute ( slow me down). I didn't really just say that...did I!?!