[APD] Re: Home depot spiral bulbs

[Wright Huntley <whuntley at verizon_net>]

Unless the technology has changed drastically, in recent months, don't 
waste valuable DIY time going this route, Scott.

The spiral bulbs suffer from a great deal of restrike (as do the double 
U-tube lamps) and go bad *really* fast under a hood. They are noticeably 
blackened in just a couple of months, and many have early deaths.

Rain gutter reflectors are too diffuse and inefficient, also. The 
combination isn't likely to give you anywhere near the usable light per 
buck of a retrofit kit from AH Supply.

The twisty ballasts are also often electrically noisy, making use of an 
X-10 o/e controller impossible on the same circuit. They'll mess up AM 
radio reception in your house, too, unless you are right near the station.

The cheap CF bulbs at WalMart and Home Depot seem to be a classic 
example of the old story. You can pay a bit more and get prime oats, but 
those that have already been through the horse are considerably cheaper.

BTDTBTWW!

Wright

> Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2003 20:01:06 -0500
> From: "Scott D. Goett" <sdgoett at att_net>
> Subject: [APD] Home depot spiral bulbs
> To: <aquatic-plants at actwin_com>
>
> How much were the bulbs?  I am looking to make a DIY light with 2 of those
> (or the double u-shaped ones I found at Walmart - 6500K and $4.99).  I was
> going to house them in a peice of plastic rain gutter cut to the length of
> the tank.  I saw this done on a DIY webpage, but unfortunately can't find
> the page anymore so hopefully I remember enough about it.


--
Wright Huntley -- 760 872-3995 -- Rt. 001 Box K36, Bishop CA 93514

           Procrastination day has been postponed!



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