lighting

[a54f100]

I recently acquired an 60 Gallon saltwater tank and have had it running for a week. I went to home depot and replaced the 48" flourescent lighting because there was a problem with one of the balasts in the old one. After a few days one of the strips will no longer kick off the bulb but the bulb is still good. The bulbs are normal output 40W Daylight and Actinic bulbs. Do acquarium lights require special balasts or special equipment? The package said it would work for all T-12 lights.

I really didn't want to break out another 100-200 for lighting. thanks,
Kevin

 

[Great Lakes]

For normal flourescents there really isn't anything special. If it is a faulty ballast, just go back to the Depot and get a ballast for around 20 bucks. Do get an electronic one versus the tar type though, they run cooler.

GL

 

[Lateral Line]

In my experience, Actinic tubes need a powerful starter, i.e. a normal 20W starter will not always flash a 20W Actinic.

Another advantage of the electronic type starters is they don't have the tendency to flicker a few times before flashing.