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Re: Aquatic Plants Digest V3 #602
George writes/responds:
<snip>> >1) I got curious about why it was so lightweight. I went looking
for the
> >ballast, and what I found was a little white thing about 2 inches square
> and a
> >half inch thick in the circuit where the ballast should be. Is this one
of
> >those electronic deals I keep hearing about?
>
> This is the El Cheapo version of an electronic ballast. It's a coil and
> capacitor combo.
>
> >2) The box said it was compatible with all 48 inch T-12 bulbs, including
25,
>
> >34, and 40 watt. Will it run enhanced output 40 watt bulbs like the
Triton?
>
>
> If you're lucky, it will run Tritons. However, the lumen output is reduced
> compared to a tar ballast and the color temp is changed slightly (I have no
> data about real electronic ballasts). My web page has detailed measurements
> regarding this. Also, based on my experience, it reduces the life of Triton
> bulbs.
So the best move here would be to mount a new ballast? There is a place
downtown that deals a lot with flourescent ballasts. Would you go with an
electronic, or is the difference in price not justified?
Or should I just hang this thing in the shop and leep looking?
Bob