Overdriving Fluorescent Lights?

[kyle]

Hi
Has anyone ever heard of overdriving lights? I'm interested in doing it, but have a few questions...

As I understand it, you use a 4 light ballast to run two light and they are about twice as bright. The bulbs last half as long, but the light output worth it.

Although I do raise cichlids, I'm interested in doing this for another hobby: growing orchids. I'm asking you guys because the original idea came from aquarium hobbiest who needed more powerful lights to get to the bottom of deep aquariums.

Any help would be appreciated!

[barristan]

It works. I have been doing it a couple of years now. I bought a number of electronic ballast from Home Depot. You can drive them 2x 3x, or 4x.

[kyle]

So, how does it work? Do I just splice two wires together and connect it to the thing the bulb goes into?

Is the light output that much more?
Kyle

[Chewy]

Listen, unless you know exactly what you are doing I would refrain from rewiring ballasts to overdrive lights. I am en electrician by trade, and I have to warn you that mis wiring one of those ballasts could be very hazardous. If you insist on rewiring the lights, write down how everything is connected and copy the leads to the ballast exactly. If not you do run the risk of major shorts, etc.