I have a hexagon shaped fish tank 55gal and it is to deep for florescent lighting. These mercury vapor bulbs dont require a ballist or something do they. Can I screw one into a regular ceramic light fixture. Also Im going to build a top for the aquarium myself Will this light create a lot of heat do I need to add venting slits and a computer fan to keep the air moving. If you know a lot about these bulbs tell me everything.
THANKS
2007-11-28 11:18:58 · 3 answers · asked by Aaron A 5 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
http://www.lightbulbsdirect.com/page/001/CTGY/Mercury+Vapor
2007-11-28 11:24:03 · update #1
1. A mercury vapor lamp requires a ballast.
putting it into a socket at line voltage won't work.
2. Any light, mercury or fluorescent will put out
some waste heat which must be vented.
3. Mercury vapor puts out a bit less light per watt
than fluorescent lighting.
If you can't get enough light out of a pair of , or
even 3 concentric 'circline` fluorescents, you won't
be happy with the output of a 50W. M.V. lamp either.
2007-11-28 15:37:32 · answer #1 · answered by Irv S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, a mercury bulb needs a ballast type booster, no, don't screw it into a regular fixture! and definitely don't put it above a fish tank unless your going to eat boiled fish, no joke.
2007-11-28 13:30:42 · answer #2 · answered by jpflkeys 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It needs an auto transformer.
2007-11-28 11:41:32 · answer #3 · answered by Bobo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋