Hey all you lighting experts! If you have a ballast system than runs 2 x 40w bulbs but you only use 2 x 20w bulbs in it, will it hurt the ballast in any way? I would think it would be fine but really have no idea...
What ballast are you using?
A Hagen T8 ballast system (hope that's useful).
You will be overdriving the bulbs.
They will burn bright for a much shorter period of time.
How much shorter can vary greatly from bulb to bulb.
why are you running lower wattage bulbs?
B/c the tank isn't long enough to fit 40w bulbs over it.
Quote from: RoxyDog on February 19, 2011, 01:28:48 PM
B/c the tank isn't long enough to fit 40w bulbs over it.
Can you fit 4x20watt? If so then just run that and your bulbs will be fine and not overdriven :)
No, the ballast only has end caps for 2 bulbs.
Quote from: RoxyDog on February 19, 2011, 02:58:00 PM
No, the ballast only has end caps for 2 bulbs.
Modify it to work? No reason why you shouldn't be able to do that.
Also, I don't want 80w worth of light over the tank. :) Anyone know if overdriving the bulbs is unsafe in any way?
Overdriving bulbs will most likely result in your home insurance being voided. Overdriving can result in fires, it occurs seldom, but is a small risk according to my insurance company.
Bruce
the ballast will still put out 40 watt regardles of what the bulbs are rated at. the 20 watt bulb will be getting 40 watt and will have a shorter life span. could it catch on fire? sure anything plugged in can. will it catch on fire? my guess is the bulb will burn out before that happens.