32W PC Lights
 

Finally got my canopy done for my nano tank. Its got 2x32W Custom Sealife Retro kits with 2 SmartLamps (50/50). Its too blue for me so I want to replace one of the SmartLamps with something else. J&L doesn't carry the 32W 10,000K lamp but they do carry the 28W 6,700K lamp. Can I use the 28W bulb with that ballast?

http://www.hyperdream.com/~samw/reef...25_img_std.jpg

http://www.hyperdream.com/~samw/reef...79_img_std.jpg

I just installed two of the CSL 96 watt retro kits with the smart lamps and yes they do look blue before they are on a stocked tank but with the LR and the sand etc etc they look really good. I would give them a try before you get new bulbs.

Re: 32W PC Lights
 

I would agree with the last poster. I use the same bulb on my nano, and like it very much. So much so that I have ordered another kit. But if you want to try a 28W bulb, it would probably work, but the current would be higher, and the bulb would not last as long. ( I think anyway)

BTW, could you tell me the size of that tank??
Bob

Thanks for your thoughts guys. I just read on RC that its is possible to use the 28W bulbs. It doesn't really say what the affect will be though such as shortened bulb life, etc. Can I assume that the 28W bulb will be running at 32W (overdriven)?

Bob, it is a standard 10 gallon tank by All-Glass Aquarium.

That would be my take. The basic function of any ballast is to keep current from increasing at a linear pace. Therefore the ballast will allow enough current to run a 32W bulb. Logically a 28W uses less current, so you are in effect overdriving it. That is a simple Electrician's view anyway.

It just looks tall somehow. I have ordered a second kit from MOPS, as my single light looks a bit dull.

SamW, the 28 watt bulb and the 32 watt bulbs are the same creature.. just different ratings.. they both work fine if you interchange them..


Steve

I don't want to be picky, but if they are the same, why different numbers. That would be like calling a Chevrolet a Cadillac :?: :?:

Bob, the same way a 40 watt T-12 4' tube is the same and interchangable with the 34 watt T-12 tube.. one is a energy saving version ..

Steve

Is that with the same ballast I wonder???

So if I put one 28W and one 32W bulb, both using the same 32W ballast, am I using 60W of power or 64W?

well the bulbs are designed to consume a certian amount of power at a spicific current.. the 32 watt and the 28 watt are based on the same curent. not knowing what the current requirment is exactly i can only use a false # to explain.. say the current is .25 amps that thease bulbs are designed at.. the 32 watt one will will consume 32 watts with a supply curent of .25 amps.. which for the same amprage the other one will consume 28 watts.. so all the ballast does is act as a regulated current supply, and as long as you don't excede the total wattage rating for the ballast it will run any PC that requires a curent supply of 0.25 amp. so now you can look at the 4' floressent tubes in your kitchen.. the standard is a 40 watt NO tube, that will consume 40 watts on supplied current of 400mA, a few years ago when this power smart stuff started there was a version of the 4' NO released that only consumes 32 watts on a supplied current of 400mA so you save 8 watts of power by switching to the energy saver bulb.. and all you have to switch is the bulb its self.

SamW, you will probably consume a little more than the wattage of the bulbs as some power is lost to heat.. depends on the eficiency of the ballast..

Steve

My head hurts :oops: :oops:

I guess I think of it this way, a watt is a watt, no matter how you slice it. Wattage is consumption, and a 32W will consume 32W, and a 28W will consume 28W. Now when we start to factor in losses at the ballast, my head starts to hurt.

BTW I just looked at AH supply's bulb listings, and they supply 36W bulbs. Those can be had at a reasonable price. I am wondering if there is a chance they would fire in a 32W application.

hey samw you got a pm