Ballast in hood, how do I cool it?

[cosmic funk]

Ok guys, I just got a hand me down 400w hydrofarm MH light. It is the older model with the ballast inside the hood. It has no opening to attach a 6" or 4" duct for cooling. I have a great fan that will easily cool both my HPS and this new MH.

Is it easier to take the whole thing apart? Separate the hood from the ballast? Cut a whole to attach a flange to hook duct to?

Has anyone had to mess with one of these old style lights before?

[Zandor]

Ya I had one of those given to me a while ago. I used it for a mother for a while.

I had to take it apart and then the 2 wires that were attached to the MOG socket, I just turned them into extensions cords and made it a remote ballast. By using 20A power cord plugs you can unattached it from the transformer when you need to. Put the transformer in a proper box for safety and make sure you have air flow around it to keep it cool.

Use a hole saw and make a circle in the vented end to hold a 4" vent Collier and now you can pull the heat with a 4: in-line fan.

Make sure you install your glass in the bottom of you hood too that's important to keep the heat in so it can be moved out easer.

Just remember the capacitor does hold a charge so don't short it out or touch it.

Peace

Z