[f1ea]

Hello all, I have a simple question:
Is it better to Overdrive T8 bulbs (say 2x) rather than simply adding more bulbs to the extra ballast?

For example: Do 4x T8 bulbs provide better light/Watt using two 4x bulb ballasts, or is it better to use 8 bulbs with the same two ballasts??

I'm assuming power consumption is as follows:
4x T8 @ 32W STD = 128W
4x T8 @ 32W OD = 128W
8x T8 @32W STD = 256W

Thanks very much in advance!

 

[FSM]

I thought overdriving the bulbs was less efficient, but I'm not sure. Have you read the sticky?

 

[marrow]

As long as you can fit the bulbs & reflectors over your tank, more bulbs is more efficient then overdriven bulbs.

 

[Hoppy]

More bulbs also spreads out the light source more, so the intensity doesn't vary so much going from substrate to water surface. And, the bulbs should last longer.

 

[f1ea]

More bulbs also spreads out the light source more, so the intensity doesn't vary so much going from substrate to water surface. And, the bulbs should last longer.

Thanks! That's what i thought. As i read the sticky, OD only made sense if you had nowhere to put extra bulbs...

That was quick roud: