I recently got motivated to upgrade my 28 gallon JBJ HQI Nano hood with two 18 watt actinic compact fluorescents. Now defunked "Nanotuners" where my guide. If you are interested in making an upgrade, here is a parts list to help you decide. The three Nanotuners videos on YouTube are comprehensive and easy to follow:
Fulham Workhorse 22 Ballast ($20.40) - this ballast is rated to support two 13 watt CFL. I used the ballast recommended by Nanotuners so you may want to rethink the ballast. The recommended ballast works fine though..
Coralife Actinic 18 watt CFL twin tube bulbs (2 count at $27.90 total)
2G11 4 pin bulb sockets (2 count at $12.50 total) - sockets come in many configurations. I used Edwin Gaynor sockets. The yellow wire went at the one hole at the end and the red at the other end. I got stuck on this step thinking I needed to use jumpers for the other holes in the plug but it's not necessary
Twin tube clamps (4 count at $8.00 total) - I recommend using rivets to secure the clamps. Cleaner and easier than bolts/nuts.
Cable strain relief (1 box at $1.39) - the relief holds the power cord in place as it exists the hood
Three wire power cord ($10.47) - power cord must have a ground wire
Heavy duty 3M Double sided tape ($8.97)
For around $90 and two hours of your time, you can mod the hood. The light coverage compared to the stock LED's is much improved. My only criticism is the actinic color. LED's provide a deeper blue than CFL. I did not research the costs associated with an LED upgrade but if the cost is close, I would recommend LED's. That being said, it's still a cool modification.
Fulham Workhorse 22 Ballast ($20.40) - this ballast is rated to support two 13 watt CFL. I used the ballast recommended by Nanotuners so you may want to rethink the ballast. The recommended ballast works fine though..
Coralife Actinic 18 watt CFL twin tube bulbs (2 count at $27.90 total)
2G11 4 pin bulb sockets (2 count at $12.50 total) - sockets come in many configurations. I used Edwin Gaynor sockets. The yellow wire went at the one hole at the end and the red at the other end. I got stuck on this step thinking I needed to use jumpers for the other holes in the plug but it's not necessary
Twin tube clamps (4 count at $8.00 total) - I recommend using rivets to secure the clamps. Cleaner and easier than bolts/nuts.
Cable strain relief (1 box at $1.39) - the relief holds the power cord in place as it exists the hood
Three wire power cord ($10.47) - power cord must have a ground wire
Heavy duty 3M Double sided tape ($8.97)
For around $90 and two hours of your time, you can mod the hood. The light coverage compared to the stock LED's is much improved. My only criticism is the actinic color. LED's provide a deeper blue than CFL. I did not research the costs associated with an LED upgrade but if the cost is close, I would recommend LED's. That being said, it's still a cool modification.
