I built a light table from two old 48", two bulb, fluorescent fixtures this year. They are old enough to use the old, heavy magnetic ballast instead of the modern electronic ballast. The old ballast's produce considerable heat which normally would vent into an attic. I put some 1/4" thick, cement & fiber; building siding over the fixtures. I set them about 1/4" above the fixtures. The siding material absorbs and distributes the ballast heat perfectly maintaining a surface temp of 80 degrees F. I am going to try germinating pepper seedlings next spring on that surface.
Ted
|