Q about Coralife Aqualight ballast.

[NoLimit]

I'm considering removing the ballast and end-sockets from the stock housing, and using them for a "retro" inside a new canopy. Problem is: the canopy is only wide enough for 28W PC bulbs, and my Aqualight is a dual 65W.

Now I know that the bulbs, not the ballast, determine the output from some PC ballasts. Will this one go down to 28W? Are there shorter <15" 55W/65W PC bulbs out there?

It would be nice to save some $$$$ on this new lighting rig.

 

[Len]

The only ballasts that will safely accomdate different output wattages are electronic ones. A standard coil ballast is rated for a specific amperage, and you won't be able to go from a 65W to a 28W, at least not what UL would consider safe. As for a 65 to 55, that should be more reasonable. Overdriving a 28W bulb with a 65W ballast might work, but it'll definitely shorten the lifespan of the bulb and may be a fire hazzard. Unfortunately, I don't know how it'd work out for you and would hestitate to recommend trying it.

I'm not aware of any <15" 55/65W PC.

 

[Anonymous]

Len is absolutely right...at best it will shorten the life of your bulb by quite a bit...I have some ballasts that will run 64W...I have two ballasts with 4 sockets and 32W bulbs...I dont think this is the route you wanna go though, however, you might be able to get a cheaper ballast(lower wattage) at Lowes or HomeDepot