Want higher-watt bulbs - can it work with current canopy/hood?

[Rold Gold]

(I posted this right before the forum switch, but I didn't see the responses)

I currently have a canopy/hood that holds two bulbs, which are currently two 20W bulbs. The information sticker that lists the model number of the canopy says '40 Watts'. It doesn't actually say '40 watts max', but that is what I wonder if it is implying.

Do you think I could safely add some higher wattage bulbs as is (like say a couple of 50 watt bulbs), or would that be too much of a risk for the canopy causing it to overheat?

I don't really need a great amount of light, but more than I have right now would REALLY help. (I have a 55gal. tank with the two 20W bulbs).

[OrionGirl]

Usually, the ballast lists the max wattage it can provide. This means you can put higher watt bulbs in, but they won't be any brighter, since they're getting the same amount of power as the old ones. So, for a ballast that can run 40 watts, if you put in 80 watt bulbs, they will light up, but they won't be twice as bright--they might even be dimmer. It wont hurt anything, it just won't be efficient. One way around this is to find bulbs with internal reflectors--these will be brighter, since the light is all directed that same way.

Going the other way--putting a 40 watt bulb in a 80 watt ballast can cause problems--the bulb might be pushed too hard and die sooner than otherwise.

[Rold Gold]

Ok, that explains it. I guess I need to make a new ballast then. Guess I'll be checking out ahsupply.com

Thanks

[wetmanNY]

Thank you OrionGirl, that explains stuff to me too. I once melted a cheapo black plastic (non!) reflector designed for those longtube incandescent bulbs by cranking up the wattage with replacement bulbs...

I have an adjustable table light looking down into a lush planted 10-gallon right on this desk. I'm fixing to get one of those self-ballasted screw-in fluorescent bulbs for it. The lamp is made by political slave labor in friendly ol' China. It's got a metal shade, enameled white inside but with the sticker: caution: to reduce the risk of fire use max 60 watts. Those newfangled fluorescent bulbs give off less heat...

...um, don't they?

[OrionGirl]

I think the new bulbs do run cooler than they used to, and all types of bulbs at that. The last time I melted anything was about 10 years ago when I put a bulb that was twice the approved wattage in the preformed canopy of a little hex tank. Haven't had problems lately, but I've been really careful to make sure I'm using the right sized bulbs! The worst I've done lately is to convert a 3-bulb light into lights for an uncovered 20 with plants--and it's running 3 100-watt bulbs in the 'green' spectrum with no noticable heat issues for about 8 hours a day.

[static69static]

I have three AH supply 96 watt ballasts, three reflectors, but only two power cords and endcaps. Also have two old bulbs. Message me if interested, will to trade too.

[Richer]

static69static - this is the plant forum, not the classified, it would be much appreciated if you advertise in the classified area =)

Rold Gold - I'm moving this to the Freshwater products and DIY area. There are quite a few knowledgable ppl who go through there.

-Richer