Quote Originally Posted by DreadedHermie
Been followin' the pics. Tell me, does it make any sense to overdrive regular T8 shoplights?

Hermie
Hey Hermie,

Probably not. The cheapest way would be to double the T8s, unless you have a T8 fixture that fits your space perfectly and want more umph. (to use the techmnical term). It's the same with T5s, you can get the same output from a 8-light HO as a 4-light VHO. The cost of the IceCap ballast is about $160 for the big one model 660, a slightly smaller one model 430 is abt $140.
What they will handle is base on max lamp lenght and number of lamps.

The 660 does:
2 lamps 16'max or 2x8',6',5',3' or 2'
3 lamps 15'max or 3x5',4' or 3'
4 lamps 16'max or 4x4',3' or 2'

The advantage is seen best with the aquarium guys, hood is say 4' long but depth is problem. You can get the lumens of a 8 bulb into 4, plus save a little wattage, but lose a little bulb life.

I chose to use them in a hybred light 'cause there was not enough room to have more then 4 bulbs plus the LEDs in the middle.