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#1
10/10/2007, 02:01 PM
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"Overdriven" T5's ?
Hi all,
I'm driving 4, 39W T5 lamps with my Icecap 660 electronic ballast. From reading here, I understand that this is "overdriving" them, which results in somewhat greater light output, and possibly shorter lamp life. What does this overdriving do to power consumption? If a normally driven T5 of this size consumes 39W of power per lamp, how much power does my overdriven lamp consume? 50W? 60W? Thanks! |
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#2
10/10/2007, 02:07 PM
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I could not tell you exactly what it draws with out hooking up a meter but yes overdriving will use more energy.
Also if you buy a single lamp ballast and one lamp at 39 watts you will draw more than 39 watts to begin with because of ballast loss and it varies by ballast because some are more efficient than others. But overdriving will increase the amount of energy used. Dave |
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#4
10/10/2007, 03:53 PM
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From what I have heard, as long as you keep them cool, it doesn't shorten the life very much. Maybe a couple of months.
__________________
Joe Cude Save a reef, trade a frag! |
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#5
10/10/2007, 05:19 PM
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The normal rule of thumb on the t5's is around 30-40% so you'd be around 50-54 watts per bulb. It does barely shorten the bulb life if things are cooled properly. 12 "solid" months is a decent number to start from, it more depends on your color preference.
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Jason |
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#6
10/10/2007, 08:23 PM
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Thanks for the info.
I remember seeing a gadget somewhere that plugged in to the wall, and then you plugged whatever appliance you want to test into it. A display then shows you exactly how many watts the device consumes. I don't think I'll bother going that route. I'm just trying to minimize my tank's electrical consumption and I was curious about how much more overdriven 39W T5's would draw... |
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#8
10/10/2007, 11:40 PM
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I'd run a fan accross the ligth fixtures between the light bulbs and the water. My lights is suspended 8" from the water level and I run 2 fan in the direction of the tank.
I can accomplished 2 things by doing this, coold down the tank and cool down the light bulbs. You just want to either draw hot air out or bring cooler air in. stan |
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