CSL PC ballasts

[TommyBoy]

I currently have a 32X2Watt retro running on my 15 GA Nano. I would like to run 36 watt bublbs on this system. ANyone out their know if thats ok?
I am sort of thinking that the ballast solde on the 2X32's is prpbably the same as their 2X55Watters and would work just fine. Any comments or exp. with somthing like this? thanks

 

[TommyBoy]

^^anyone?

 

[bowfront]

I wouldn't do anything before contacting CSL.
http://www.customsealife.com/index.html
I highly doubt that your ballast is the same as used for 55w. Match the wrong size bulb to a PC ballast and you can do some harm.

 

[MattM]

It depends on whether your current ballast is electronic or magnetic.

An electronic ballast will be just fine with slightly different bulbs. A magnetic ballast will probably not fire them.

It's unlikely you'll cause any damage, unless you wire it wrong.

[ January 09, 2002: Message edited by: MattM ]</p>

 

[acidbaby1]

MY CSL's did not function properly. Both bulbs were spliced in a common negative. In some buildibgs, ground is not properly done. I suggest you take my opinion and if you buy separate actinic amd PC's, pleasre re-wire and givem a separte megative!

 

[bowfront]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr><strong>It depends on whether your current ballast is electronic or magnetic.

An electronic ballast will be just fine with slightly different bulbs. A magnetic ballast will probably not fire them.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Matt, I wasn't aware that CSL made a magnetic PC ballast.

[ January 09, 2002: Message edited by: bowfront ]</p>

 

[Anonymous]

The bigger issue is why bother? You aren't going to get any more light output. If your ballast is 32 watts, it's only gonna put 32 watts of energy out. Thus yes if it is electronic it will fire the 36 watt bulb but only by putting 32 watts of energy into it. Thus the 36 will be slightly underdriven. You'll still be in effect running 32 watters.

 

[D-Nak]

I agree with MickAv8r. I was told the same thing -- I have a dual 55watt CSL retrofit kit, and I was wondering if I could replace the 55 watt bulbs with the new 65 watt bulbs. It's not like normal incandescent bulbs that go into lamps where you can just get a 25 watt or a 50 watt or a 75 watt bulb and get different levels of brightness.

D-Nak

 

[TommyBoy]

bummer.. thanks for the feedback

 

[Anonymous]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by D-Nak:
<strong>I have a dual 55watt CSL retrofit kit, and I was wondering if I could replace the 55 watt bulbs with the new 65 watt bulbs. </strong><hr></blockquote>

Well you are also making the assumption you have a 50W ballast in there. Our standard DIY ballast for that bulb is the Advance REL-2P60, a 2x60W ballast. It will run 55W OR 65W bulbs at 60W. Same goes for the 28/32s most ballasts that run the 28's are indeed 32's.

The dirty little secret is that CSL sells the 65's and 32's for more money but if there is anything different about the bulbs I'll eat my hat. There is no way 4 or 5 extra watts is gonna make much of a difference in anything including bulb life.

 

[MattM]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by bowfront:
<strong>Matt, I wasn't aware that CSL made a magnetic PC ballast.</strong><hr></blockquote>

The vast majority are electronic, but it depends on how old the unit is. Their recent boxes have Fulham electronic ballasts inside, but some from 4-5 years ago have either Advance or GE ballasts inside that may be magnetic.

Over the years they have changed ballast manufacturers and types about every 12-18 months!

 

[D-Nak]

Hey sorry for the confusion -- all I was trying to say was that it's the ballast and not the bulb that determines the output.