I followed instructions on the internet to "overdrive" a flourescent light - essentially adding a second ballast so each tube has its own. I had read the light output is about 1.7 times greater - and it does appear to be much brighter. Apparently by using this technique with the 50 watt high output flourescents you can build very bright, efficient systems.

Have others tried this and if so did you notice any difference?

I know it will shorten the light's effective life somewhat, and the bulb is a little hotter, but not much.

Joe

Can you give link to those instructions?

Here's a detailed explanation:

http://www.geocities.com/teeley2/overdrv1.html

and another:

http://www.gwapa.org/articles/ODNO/

My problem is that the wires coming from my new ballasts do not match the wires in his diagram - so I don't know what to do with them :-)

Joe

I slapped this together - feedback is welcome. Curious to see what people's experience with this lighting might be. It certainly looks bright!

The flourescents produce a considerable warmth which may be good for starting seeds. Plants can't be placed as close though as the bulbs get rather warm to the touch.

http://www.pangeaeducation.org/lights/

Joe

KABOOM!!!  :lol:

Envirolites are compact lamp/ballast assmebly and you can't get at the wiring without destroying the lamp.

High temperature lamp operation and shortened lamp life make overdriven fluorescents less attractive than HID lighting both from a first-cost and an operating cost standpoint.......

It's pretty cool that you can do it, but it has no benefit for chile growing  that I can see.