🚀 go-pugleaf

In sci.aquaria, pprior@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu (Paul A Prior) writes:

    Interesting assertion, George.  I knew when I posted that little piece
    that it wasn't technically correct, but I was tired and just trying 
    to answer a simple question with a simple answer! <G>.  However, 
    now that you've made this statement, given your well known bias for
    the "super" show tank <G>, care to cite some references?  I'm not 
    saying you are incorrect, but I'd like to read this for my own.
    I've used the cheap (<$10) electronic ballast lights for years without
    problems.

When we set up the Almost Optimum Aquarium in August 1990, I found some
lightweight, inexpensive, electronic, energy saving shoplights for about
$16 each.  They seemed perfect for aquarium use (light and cool running),
so we also installed aome in our 85 gal Rainbow tank.  We were having 
trouble getting two Tritons to work together in these fixtures, so I called
Aquarium Products to find out why.  Of course, I did NOT find out why, 
but the person I talked to said "Never, ever use electronic ballasts 
with Triton bulbs".  No explanation, just don't.  Period.  Very helpful :-)

We ignored the advice and have had very bad luck with Triton bulbs in these
fixtures.  They would last for 6-9 months, then poop out.  That's less than
2700 hours.  That's not very long.  Penn-Plax Ultra TriLux also seem to
have problems with these fixtures. 

A recent issue of Consumer Reports (December, I believe) tested fluorescent
bulbs that are designed to replace incandescent bulbs.  Some had electronic
ballasts, some had conventional ballasts.  A high percentage of the bulbs
with electronic ballasts expired prematurely.  CR recommended against the
bulbs with electronic ballasts. 

When measuring the light intensity of various bulbs recently, I noted a
definite reduction in intensity with the same bulb used in an electronic
fixture (same cheap fixture) versus a conventional ballast.  We like to 
get all the lumens we can out of our bulbs. 

Again, I don't have any experience with the higher cost and presumably
higher quality electronic ballasts, just with this one brand.  It might
just be a shitty fixture and I had the bad luck to run into it. 

-------
George