Cold Cathode Ampere Rating

[fordtrannyman]

I've read several threads on using Cold Cathode for moon lights.

I was looking for the specifications. Namely the current draw.
Does anyone know what the maximum ampere rating is?
How long will they last with more than 5volts?

They're made for PC's so we know that they require at least 5volts to operate.
Since that is what the reference voltage is at a molex connector from a PSU.

I have one from a case mod I built a few years ago that I would like to put in my canopy.
I also have several misc. AC/DC adapters.
As with most adapters made for PC peripherals their general ratings are anywhere from 14v-19v @ 0.9amps - 3.1amps.

I don't want to burnt it up.
Any input will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Scotty001]

I've read several threads on using Cold Cathode for moon lights.

I was looking for the specifications. Namely the current draw.
Does anyone know what the maximum ampere rating is?
How long will they last with more than 5volts?

They're made for PC's so we know that they require at least 5volts to operate.
Since that is what the reference voltage is at a molex connector from a PSU.

I have one from a case mod I built a few years ago that I would like to put in my canopy.
I also have several misc. AC/DC adapters.
As with most adapters made for PC peripherals their general ratings are anywhere from 14v-19v @ 0.9amps - 3.1amps.

I don't want to burnt it up.
Any input will be greatly appreciated.

I find the best setting for my cold cathods is between 3v-5v (in a 84cm x 44cm x 59cm aprox 165L tank with 2x cold cathode tubes), this way it isnt too bright for the fish that stops them from being able to sleep but still gives enough illumination for you to see them after dark, i have also had one set of cathodes on 9v which have been running for 9 months now (24/7) and still no probs. my cathodes are on 24/7, i did find that using a timer kept blowing the multi volt adapters (tried several makes) and within 2 weeks they blew. as to the ammt of amps they pull its going to be very minimal u can pick up multi volt adapeters from as little as £3.99 at poundstretchers if your in the uk.
Scott

 

[smithrc]

most cold cathode kits are 12V (they use the 12V supply in the PC Molex connector not the 5V )

As long as the AC adapter you use can supply at least 300ma at no more than 12V they will be fine.

we use a 500ma variable AC adapter (the ones used for toys etc instead of batteries) that way you can drop the voltage to make them dimmer

 

[fordtrannyman]

most cold cathode kits are 12V (they use the 12V supply in the PC Molex connector not the 5V )

As long as the AC adapter you use can supply at least 300ma at no more than 12V they will be fine.

we use a 500ma variable AC adapter (the ones used for toys etc instead of batteries) that way you can drop the voltage to make them dimmer

Coolio!
Thanks Pleco Man

 

[fordtrannyman]

As long as the AC adapter you use can supply at least 300ma at no more than 12V they will be fine.

Well, I wired up a 6" blue cold cathode to a 12vdc/500ma adapter.
Set it on the glass lid of my 29gal. It didn't penetrate into the water at all.
Even if I put a reflector above it, I don't think it would help.

Any Ideas?

Thanks.

 

[smithrc]

As long as the AC adapter you use can supply at least 300ma at no more than 12V they will be fine.

Well, I wired up a 6" blue cold cathode to a 12vdc/500ma adapter.
Set it on the glass lid of my 29gal. It didn't penetrate into the water at all.
Even if I put a reflector above it, I don't think it would help.

Any Ideas?

Thanks.

one 6" will have a hard time.. but Iwould have thought you would have got something....

we have 2x 12" running at about 6V over our 30g...

 

[raptorrex]

i found that one twelve inch, more than enough for a four foot 50ukg tank. as many fish are not blind to Blue, there seems little point in having it too bright.