Sunday, December 25, 2011

Fixing That Annoying Blinking Fluorescent Light

!±8± Fixing That Annoying Blinking Fluorescent Light

So now its time to roll up our sleeves and get to work. There are some very important guidelines to follow when doing electrical work:

-MAKE SURE THE POWER IS OFF AND THERE IS NO CHANCE OF IT ACCIDENTALLY BEING TURNED ON WHILE WORKING ON IT.
-Have all the materials you will need for your project. There is nothing worse than being half way in your project to find out you don't have everything you need.
-Have the right tool for the job your doing

Following our safety guide we need to turn the power off to the light. You can just turn the switch off to the light and that will remove power, but we need to make sure nobody will accidentally turn it on when your working on it. So find your fuse box or circuit panel and shut the breaker off as well. Look for breaker tags such as gen lighting, or lighting.

Now that we know we are safe to work on the fluorescent light here are the tools you will need:

-A fiberglass ladder (make sure it is fiberglass when working with electricity because fiberglass does not conduct electricity.)
-Lineman pliers
-Nut driver
-Wire strippers
-Voltage tester

Now that we have our tools we need to rule out some simple fixes. I have been on calls that I felt so bad charging a customer for something they easily could have done themselves. Number one thing to do is replace the bulb. Keep in mind there are two types most commonly found and they are T-12 and T-8. The T-12 is a fat tube and a T-8 is thin in circumference, that's the easiest way to figure out what it is. If your still not sure remove the bulb and look at the end of the tube and there will be a model number on it with either T-12 of T-8 in or around that area.

Ok, so we changed the bulb and it's not the fix. The problem most likely lies in the ballast. By removing the center cover we can access the ballast, you should see wire colors of black, red, blue, yellow, white and green. Before you remove anything you need to make sure you have the right type of ballast. Make sure the model numbers are the same and the type of ballast is the same. All newer fixtures use electronic ballasts, while older models might use rapid start, and magnetic type ballasts as some examples. We know we have the right ballast so what I do before I even remove the ballast is take the black and white wire from the ceiling box and remove it from the ballast without touching the bare copper and test them with your voltage tester to make absolute sure they are dead,cap each one with a wire nut, these wires are what give power to the ballast.

Look at the colors and where there connected to. I then cut the wires with my linesmans pliers after the wire nut. I do this because when you put the new ballast in it will have the same colored leads as the old one, so you can use it to help you reconnect the colors of wires to the light. After you cut the wires remove the ballast with your nut driver making sure not to lose that nut you will need it later!!! CAUTION: The ballast may be hot to the touch, put some gloves on or use a rag when handling the ballast. Install the new ballast by aligning it into the slots and the hole where the nut was. Simply fasten the nut down and the ballast should now be secured to the fixture. Now connect blue to blue, red to red, yellow to yellow using orange wire nuts. Next hook up the black wire being careful because this is your "HOT" wire to the black and the white to the white. One thing you need to do when connecting the wires is to make sure that you twist your wires together, do not just rely on the wire nut. If you do not twist your wires it could cause a fire by not having a good connection.

Place the cover back on the fixture, put some new lamps in and your done.

Turn the breaker back on at the panel, turn the switch on and let there be light. Now the bragging starts.


Fixing That Annoying Blinking Fluorescent Light

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Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Sunlight Supply Presents: Titan Atlas 1 Setup

Sunlight Supply, Inc. www.sunlightsupply.com http The Atlas 1 (Item #: 702615) delivers precise CO2 control! This easy to use controller is the leading edge in CO2 release & control in your growing environment. Just dial in your setpoint and the Atlas 1 does the rest of the work for you! It maintains the perfect level of CO2 to allow your plants to reach their maximum potential. * Digital control board delivers precision CO2 control * Maximize your garden's CO2 level while minimizing CO2 tank or LP consumption * Adjust CO2 set point, modify elevation or calibrate with just two buttons * Controls any CO2 equipment that is operated by 120 volt power * Durable powder coated, steel enclosure will stand up to the toughest conditions * Adds CO2 only during daylight period by using the controllers integrated photocell * 50 parts per million (ppm) deadband/hysteresis built into set point * Memory retains controllers settings even when the power is off * 15 amps/120 Volt/60 Hz * 3 year warranty Titan Controls principles are clear: build a durable product that satisfies our customer's needs, build a quality product with the best components available in the marketplace today and build a reputable product line that's synonymous with the Sunlight Supply traditions. Titan Controls is proud to have accomplished each of these principles. The powder coated, steel chassis' protect your investment for years to come! The UL/ETL rated components provide you with the confidence and security ...

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Friday, December 16, 2011

2 ft 4 bulb T5 Grow Light Fluorescent Lighting System with bulbs

!±8± 2 ft 4 bulb T5 Grow Light Fluorescent Lighting System with bulbs

Brand : ViaVoltTM | Rate : | Price : $70.99
Post Date : Dec 16, 2011 05:32:33 | Usually ships in 1-2 business days


ViaVoltTM T5-24, 2 Ft - 4 Lamp (24" L x 13 1/4" W x 3" H)8,000 lumens! At 2,000 lumens and 24 Watts per bulb, the T-5 boasts itself as the strongest fluorescent lighting around. Steel housing Louvered and slotted for efficient cooling95% reflective aluminum reflectorMajor brand solid state electronic ballasts1 year rebuild or replacement warrantyComes complete with 2 chrome hangers and 12 ft power cordBulbs included (24 Watts each)120V only Perfect for propagation!

More Specification..!!

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Sunday, December 11, 2011

Sunlight Supply Presents the Hang Time Drying Rack

www.sunlightsupply.com • Use to easily dry flowers and herbs. • Carabiner clip to make hanging simple. • Durable polyester netting. • Wire frames to make shelves rigid and sturdy. • Easy to use, snap together buckles to quickly add or remove shelves. 728765 HANGTIME DRYING RACK - MEDIUM is 24" Diameter 728766 HANGTIME DRYING RACK - LARGE is 32" Diameter. Available exclusively from Sunlight Supply, Inc. Specializing in thewholesale of indoor horticulture, organics and hydrogardening supplies. About Sunlight Supply Founded in 1995, Sunlight Supply, Inc., is a Vancouver, WA based manufacturer and distributor of specialty gardening supplies. Our product offering of over 4000 different products include everything needed for indoor, hydroponic, organic and greenhouse gardening. We also distribute a wide variety of products for the outdoor gardener. Sunlight Supply is a wholesale only business, selling our products exclusively through our Authorized Dealer Partners. Our exclusive brands include Sun System brand grow lights, Sun Blaze T5 HO Fluorescent grow lights, Galaxy Digital Ballasts, Master Blaster 1500 watt Digital Ballasts, Adjust a Wings, Phresh Carbon Filters, Ultra Sun horticultural lamps, Eco Plus, Ideal Air, Titan Controls, Flame Defender Fire Extinguishers, Mother Earth, Gro Pro and many more. Sun System has become the #1 leading brand of grow lights for indoor and greenhouse gardening. Whether you are a hobbyist growing one orchid or a large commercial greenhouse ...

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Friday, December 2, 2011

Converting to a Planted Freshwater Tank

!±8± Converting to a Planted Freshwater Tank

In a freshwater aquarium, the benefits of live plants over plastic or silk are numerous. Fish feel more at home amongst natural plants - they are more likely to lay eggs in their leaves, or for fry to take refuge in them. They keep the water cleaner by absorbing wastes and producing oxygen. For most people, though, what is most important is what is most obvious: they look much better! They are the real deal, and an imitation just doesn't hold a candle to the real thing.

So what do you need to do to convert from artificial to live plants? Here are the five steps I recommend.

1) Get a book on planted aquariums.

Try to get a book that has lots of text, not just pictures. Books that are mostly photographs are very helpful for inspiration, but to gain a core knowledge you need to start with something like "The Simple Guide to Planted Aquariums" by Rhonda Wilson and Terry Ann Barber, or "The Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants" by Peter Hiscock.

2) Ditch the gravel...probably.

Most people want stem plants in their planted aquarium. Stem plants do not root well in gravel. Very fine gravel can work, especially if it is rounded, but the pebble like gravel that is popular these days will not be friendly to stem plants. Their fine roots do best in sandy substrates.

Plain sand can work, such as pool filter sand, which is available from any pool supply store. Another option is play sand, as long as it does not say "Not for use in aquariums" - Quickcrete is one popular brand. Stem plants will need supplementation with root tabs in order to do their best in plain sand.

A name brand substrate such as Flourite or Eco Complete is best, but can be costly for larger tanks. For tanks 30 gallons and under, it's best to go ahead and spring for a proprietary substrate...you'll have a greater chance for success.

If you do not want to change over from gravel, it is still possible to have a planted tank. However, you'll probably need to confine yourself to plants that do not need to be rooted in the substrate, such as floating plants (e.g. Amazon frogbit) epiphytes (e.g. Java fern, Anubias) mosses and liverworts (e.h. Java moss, Subwassertang)

3) Upgrade your lighting.

Although this is rapidly changing, standard aquarium kits do not usually come with lighting suitable for plants. A single fluorescent bulb is not going to grow very much, very well. A newer kind of lighting on the market is T5 lighting. Compact and energy efficient, it is rapidly becoming a favorite with planted as well as marine/reef hobbyists.

Compact fluorescent lighting is another option. If you are the least bit handy, DIY kits are available to convert standard aquarium hoods into more plant friendly options for lighting.

There is a plethora of information on the internet and forums about this topic...research heavily before spending much money!

4) Settle on a fertilizer regimen, and stick to it.

Plants grow best with a nutritive substrate (or an inert substrate such as sand, with additional tablet supplementation) and a regular dosing of liquid fertilizer.

How much and what kind to use, depends on many factors - the types of plants in use, the density of the planting, the size of the tank, the amount of lighting, etc.

High lighting will demand more fertilizer, and CO2 supplementation is likely to be necessary. Moderate lighting might be able to get away without CO2, although the plants will not grow as fast or as lush. For low lighting levels, CO2 is likely not to be necessary. Research online and find a liquid fertilizer and fertilizer regimen that works for you.

5) Attack algae - strategically!

Algae woes are inevitably the down side of planted aquariums. An aquarium that previously had little or not algae, and was able to be controlled by a dwarf plecostomus, snail and/or otocinclus, may now be covered in numerous forums of the stuff!

Algae is a nuisance, but it is also a helpful indicator of imbalance. Like symptoms of an illness, algae is helpful in making a diagnosis of your tank. Are the lights on too long? Are the bulbs the wrong spectrum? Have I added too much fertilizer? Am I not fertilizing enough? Do I have too few plants for the amount of lighting I have?

These are the questions you need to present yourself when algae springs up. Algae is a problem that almost always has a solution, you just need to research and ask questions in order to find out what the solutions are.

The exceptions are brown algae (really diatoms, and not an algae at all...common in newly established tanks, but generally goes away on its own) and blue-green algae (really Cyanobacteria, a bacteria as opposed to an algae). These are not algae, but will still tell you something informative about the state of your tank. Some may require your intervention, while others will just go away on their own as the tank matures.

Water changes, water changes, water changes...this is the mantra of the aquarium keeper! When things are off balance, a water change often serves to correct it. They never hurt and sometimes help.

Last but not least, I strongly encourage the new planted tank keeper to join a forum. There are numerous ones online, some dedicated to planted tanks, and others including a planted tank section within a larger forum. Photo galleries from other members will serve to inspire you, and the knowledge and suggestions of other members will help you grow in your hobby.


Converting to a Planted Freshwater Tank

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Monday, November 28, 2011

Two Types of Fluorescent Growing Lights

!±8± Two Types of Fluorescent Growing Lights

There are a few very different types of fluorescent grow lights that are being used today for indoor gardening. The most popular ones are T5 fluorescent lights and compact fluorescent lights. Both can be used effectively when growing indoors, and both will generally yield strong, healthy plants.

T5 lights are one of the newer types on the market, however they are not as new as the compacts. These are optimized for producing taller, bigger plants than other types of fluorescent lights. Also, they are most effectively used during the vegetative state of plant growth instead of the flowering state, but can still do both. T5 fluorescents are usually composed of multiple long bulbs side by side, usually around six or so. There are arched reflectors positioned above each of these bulbs to direct more light towards your plants. Unfortunately, T5 lights are fairly expensive, so if you are on a tight budget you may want to look into compact fluorescent grow lights over these. Again, these are not well suited for the flowering stage of growth, and may cause you to get only around half of your normal yield if you use them.

Compact forms of these lights are the newest types available today, and can be useful for many reasons. The bulbs are designed to maximize the bulb surface in a smaller space than usual, so they often put out the most light per surface area of the bulb. They can be convenient because they are easier to place around your plants. Instead of just putting one big T5 above all of your plants, you can put a few compact ones surrounding them, and maybe a few above. The customization aspect is certainly higher with compact fluorescents. They are also generally less expensive than the T5s' of course, so you may be able to save some money in the long run with them. The compact fluorescent lights also perform similarly to the T5s' considering it's the same type of lighting, but you can set them up easier with the compact ones.

These two types of fluorescent lights are both readily available in many stores, and they can both support fairly healthy plant growth. They may not produce plants quite as good as High Pressure Sodium or Metal Halide lights would, but they will certainly work fine, especially for a new grower. If you are a little tight on money but want to start gardening indoors, definitely look into one of the two types of lights in this article.


Two Types of Fluorescent Growing Lights

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Friday, November 25, 2011

20 gallon buried discus tank

This is an update on my 20 gallon planted aquarium. I have made a recent addition by adding a red turquoise discus. I paid forty bucks for him at a local pet store here in louisville kentucky. I have also added a hagen natural plant grow co2 system and a zoomed aquasun 24" HO T5 light fixture that is using a florasun 24 watt 5000 k light bulb and an ultrasun 24 watt 6500 k light bulb. Since I have perchased the new light fixture and the co2 system, my plants have began to grow more vigouresly and my aponogeton bulbs have started to sprout. Fauna: 1x brilliant red turqouise discus 5x harlequin rasbora 3x pineapple swordtail( all of who I raised myself) 2x corydoras adolfi 1x cardinal tetra Flora: dwarf lillies anachris aponogeton bulbs Equipment: hagen natural plant grow co2 system aquaculture power filter 100 watt radiant heater zoomed aquasun HO T5 24'' light fixture with a flora sun and ultra sun 24 watt light bulb(2.4 watts per gallon)

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Monday, November 21, 2011

How to Convert a Freshwater Aquarium to a Saltwater Aquarium

!±8± How to Convert a Freshwater Aquarium to a Saltwater Aquarium

Maybe you are ready to convert from freshwater to saltwater. A number of advanced freshwater hobbyists eventually decide to set up at least one saltwater fish tank. Perhaps you saw a spectacular aquarium at a friend's home or just need a new challenge to keep you interested in the hobby. With the experience acquired from maintaining a freshwater aquarium, it will help you avoid some of the costly beginner mistakes. Remember to be patient and research the fish and equipment you plan to purchase.

Beyond the aquarium, what other equipment is useful? Only some of the equipment, like heaters, powerheads and lights can be reused and even they may need to be replaced or upgraded. In general, gravel and substrates, undergravel filters, bubblers, and most painted decorations and plants shouldn't be reused in a saltwater aquarium.

Start by cleaning the aquarium with a warm water and vinegar solution to remove any calcium deposits. Rinse until the vinegar odor is gone. There is no need to use bleach or soap. Please note that if you used any Copper Based Medication in the aquarium, it shouldn't be reused for a saltwater reef tank because copper may be present in the silicone, which can leech out and be harmful to corals and other invertebrates. If you only plan to keep fish, a copper treated aquarium will be fine, otherwise you should purchase a new aquarium.

Next, soak the heaters and powerheads in a water and vinegar solution to remove any calcium deposits. Clean the impellers of the powerheads and scrub the heaters gently. If your heater is glass, consider upgrading to a Titanium Heater as they are more difficult to break and will not absorb salt. Most powerheads are suitable in the beginning, but some aquarists upgrade to stronger Powerheads as they become more interested in corals.

For smaller aquariums, standard Hang on the Back or Canister Filters will be acceptable for fish only aquariums. For those planning to keep a reef or have trouble with high nitrates, consider a Hang on the Back Protein Skimmer. A Protein Skimmer works by mixing water and air to create millions of microbubbles. Waste in the water attaches to the microbubbles and is forced into the neck of the Protein Skimmer. When the microbubbles burst, the waste is pushed into the collection cup where it no longer negatively affects water quality, unlike traditional sponge filters. Aquarists with tanks larger than 55 gallons should consider a sump with an In Sump Protein Skimmer, Wet/Dry Filter, Refugium or any combination of the three. Be sure to research the different methods and understand the advantages and disadvantages of each system.

For lighting, new hobbyists only keeping fish will be able to reuse their current fluorescent fixture, but may want to replace their yellow plant bulbs with white daylight or Blue Actinic bulbs. If you plan to keep a reef aquarium with corals, you may need to upgrade your lighting to Power Compact, T5, Metal Halide or LED. These more intense forms of light, allow the corals to perform photosynthesis. Please note, the lights don't need to be upgraded immediate, they can be added once you start keeping corals.

You will also hear about this stuff called Live Rock. Live rock is rock from the ocean with living bacteria and organisms on it. Live Rock won't move by itself or physically grow in size. Live Rock provides extra filtration, a structure for fish to hide in and a place to mount corals. The typical reef aquarium needs.75 to 1.25 pounds of Live Rock per gallon, but this can vary based on the density of rock.

Instead of gravel or fluorite, most saltwater aquariums use Live Sand or Aragonite. These substrates provide a natural buffer against pH drops and won't need to be siphoned if maintained by the proper clean-up crew consisting of snails, crabs, starfish and shrimp.

Finally, a saltwater aquarium requires salt and some way to measure the salt. You should not use table salt or softener salt. Instead, purchase a Synthetic Salt Mix. To make saltwater with a specific gravity of 1.020, add approximately two cups of salt to five gallons of Reverse Osmosis or tap water. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved. Then measure the salinity or specific gravity with a Hydrometer or Refractometer. Most saltwater aquarists will use Reverse Osmosis water, as it is purified and contains no phosphates or nitrates like tap or well water. This will reduce algae growth and make the hobby easier.


How to Convert a Freshwater Aquarium to a Saltwater Aquarium

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Monday, November 7, 2011

Hydrofarm Commercial T5 4FT 8 Tube Fixture

!±8± Hydrofarm Commercial T5 4FT 8 Tube Fixture

Brand : Hydrofarm | Rate : | Price : $199.59
Post Date : Nov 07, 2011 09:48:05 | Usually ships in 24 hours

T5 Fluorescent Light SystemHydrofarm's newest T5 System delivers performance, flexibility and high lumen output in any growing environment. These systems allow you to choose multiple hanging configurations to meet your garden's design. They combine German specular aluminum with energy-efficient/high-output T5 bulbs and put out double the light energy of normal fluorescent systems.?Dual On/Off switches allow you to control the amount of lumens as needed (6 and 8 tube models only) ?UL Listed components, including German made socket and specular aluminum, for longer life ?Powder coated, pre-galvanized steel housing ?UL Listed ballast with 5 year warranty ?Low profile ?Hangs 3 ways - overhead, vertical or horizontal?10' grounded power cord?Includes fluorescent 6400K tubes8-lamp120v/60Hz3.78A454W3"H x 26"W x 46"LRated up to 37,600 lumens

  • Includes fluorescent 6400K tubes
  • Hangs 3 ways - overhead, vertical or horizontal
  • 10' grounded power cord
  • 6-lamp, low profile
  • 120v/60Hz

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Thursday, November 3, 2011

Growing With T5 Light Bulbs

!±8± Growing With T5 Light Bulbs

T5 light bulbs are the first type of light bulb that is serviced only by electronic ballasts. Smaller than previous models in the T series of bulbs, it is infamous for its lumens per watt efficiency. Developed in 1995, it became popular within the United States for the advantages it offered indoor gardeners. It is thus named because of the bulb's tubular shape, and the number 5 represents the diameter of the lamp. Its peak efficiency is achieved at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The financial savings that it afforded businesses and residential homes compared to previous models, including HO fluorescent bulbs, was astounding. However, the introduction of metal halide lamps quickly eclipsed the glory of the T5.

T5 light bulbs are ideal to use in enclosed spaces where there is not very much room for effective ventilation. It does require constant vigilance though, because the components do require a certain degree of care. These types of bulbs are not the most energy efficient on the market, especially when compared to metal halide bulbs, sodium vapor, or HO fluorescent bulbs. However, compared to older bulbs, they can still cut the potential use of energy in lighting by more than 60%.

Another popular feature of the T5 light bulbs (such as Sylvania Pentron Lamps) is the fact that they have a low mercury content. The bulb itself contains a coating on the inside of the bulb's glass, similar to that of HO fluorescent lights, that prevents the glass and its contained gases from absorbing mercury. This coating reduces the required amount of mercury from 15mg per lamp to 3mg per lamp. To prevent further absorption of mercury, it is most desirable to keep a lamp near its initial output.

T5 light bulbs are roughly 40% smaller than previous T series models. It also uses a smaller bi pin base compared to the medium bi pin base of older models. Like HO fluorescent bulbs, T5 bulbs are prone to developing cold spots. A cold spot rises and falls according to the temperature of the bulb. The life span of a T5 bulb is approximately 20,000 hours. For longevity, it cannot be beat. If you are a beginner gardener, this may be an ideal system for you to invest in because of its comparable low cost. If you change your mind about becoming a gardener, then you will not have wasted time or money on a hobby that disinterests you.


Growing With T5 Light Bulbs

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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Sunlight Supply Presents: Flame Defender Demonstration - Self Activated Fire Extinguisher

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Sunday, October 23, 2011

Solar Wind 48" 4 Lamp Air Cooled T5 Fluorescent Grow Light

!±8±Solar Wind 48" 4 Lamp Air Cooled T5 Fluorescent Grow Light

Brand :
Rate :
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Post Date : Oct 23, 2011 22:34:25
Usually ships in 1-2 business days



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Thursday, October 20, 2011

Super 90W UFO LED Grow Light: 5 Band Full Spectrum Indoor Grow Lights Suitable for Hydroponic Systems and Indoor Growing. Replaces Fluorescent Grow Lights

!±8± Super 90W UFO LED Grow Light: 5 Band Full Spectrum Indoor Grow Lights Suitable for Hydroponic Systems and Indoor Growing. Replaces Fluorescent Grow Lights

Brand : SuperLedGrowLights.com | Rate : | Price : $299.99
Post Date : Oct 20, 2011 20:00:27 | Usually ships in 24 hours


  • 5-Band full spectrum makes this grow light suitable for all stages of growth.
  • 90 degree lens angle, 1W LEDs for an optimum balance between uniform coverage and penetration.
  • Great for hydroponics, aeroponics, or potted plants. Experience fast growth without the heat emitteded by traditional grow lights.
  • Up to 80% energy savings over traditional grow lights. 50,000+ hours lifespan. 3 year warranty. Hanging kit included.
  • Ready to use right out of the box. No set up required.

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Super 90W UFO LED Grow Light: 5 Band Full Spectrum Indoor Grow Lights Suitable for Hydroponic Systems and Indoor Growing. Replaces Fluorescent Grow Lights

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