t to the maxx2
New member
Well, What is it? Search never works for me, so I was just wondering if I could get a proper explanation. Thanks
Sorry for the basic question....What is ballast?
- Thread starter t to the maxx2
- Start date
http://www.aquariumlight.com/product_info.php?dbid=373
That metal box is a ballast....It's the thing that drives lightbulbs...halides, VHO's, Power Compacts.
That metal box is a ballast....It's the thing that drives lightbulbs...halides, VHO's, Power Compacts.
t to the maxx2
New member
Whats the point? Can't you just plug it in to the wall? I'm obviously missing somethin here.
Thanks
Thanks
jjjimmy
Premium Member
A ballast converts your wall electricity to the proper wattage for the bulb that you are using. Aquaria lighting is nothing like the old incandescent bulbs that you just plug into the wall. Any florescent or HID (high intensity discharge) bulb needs to have a ballast in order to light up at all.
The ballast controls the amount of current flowing through the tube. The light itself is a 'negative resistance' device, so essentially it will draw as much current as it can. If you didn't have the ballast (plugged the lamp right into the wall) your circuit breaker / fuse would pop seconds after the light was attached.
