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Re: flourescent light article
The compilation is a good source of information and pretty accurate,
also. Good job.
I have a few points to add:
- The Time-Life books reference is a great place to start and has the
basics of fluorescent light operation. It is not too advanced, however.
- instant-start lamps have a single pin on each end. It is unlikely that
anyone is using one over their aquarium.
- preheat lamps are obsolete only for room applications. The chief
drawback is that there is a second of flicker before the lamp lights.
For aquarium lamps, this is not an issue. Also, rapid-start systems
apply a continuous current across the cathode heaters, using additional
power. Pre-heat systems don't have this drawback.
- the T-8 bulbs which everyone refers to as being superior to T-12's are
the T-8 32W tubes. T-8 is the diameter, and does not necessarily
indicate less power usage. The 32W T-8's have a different ballast
technology which does not heat the cathodes continuously, conserving
energy, but retains some of the advantageous features of rapid-start bulbs.
T-8 bulbs are available in different lengths (e.g. 24") which have the
same power consumption as a T-12.