65w PC's on a 96w ballast?

[Salamander]

Probably a stupid question. But thought I'd ask on the remote chance the answer is not what I expect (I assume it won't work or would be a fire hazard).


SO,

Can I run 65w PC bulbs on a 96w balast?


I want to put an old PC above my fuge but the 96w bulbs are too long. 65's would fit nicely. Its a 4 year old Aqualight retrofit.
Like this one: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+12111&pcatid=12111

Thanks

 

[Salamander]

So am I right that its not a good idea?

 

[JCR's Reef]

You will over drive the bulb which wont last very long.

 

[bajabum]

PC ballast are constant voltage supplies so you can use watts up to what the ballast is rated for. A lot of 96 watt ballast can run up to 2 65 watt bulbs. The old dual Current 96 watt could not run 2 96 watt lamps with out over heating. Overdriving is done by upping the voltage like Icecap has done with its 660. Overdriving is done by ballast design, not bulb choice.

 

[AZDesertRat]

Bajabum is correct. You can run any combination of bulbs up to 96w total on a PC ballast. I run two 32w daylight bulbs on a 2x65w ballast over my refugium and have done so for years.

 

[Salamander]

Right on. That makes some sense to my non-electrical mind. Should save me a bit of pocket money.

Thanks!

 

[El Mujadore]

Hi, I have been looking for this answer, as I have extra 24" 65W PCs that I wanted to run on individual 96w ballasts.
After reading the above I went for it, but noticed some serious sparks as I plugged in the straight pins. Other than that, no problems; but it has only been a few hours now.