Electronic Ballast

[BigJon]

Hi, just a quick query, hopefully someone will be able to help.
After upgrading my fishtank I'm requiring to provide lighting for it.
I was hoping to be able to use my existing lamps ( fishtank lamps seem to be pricey) and just rig them up to an electronic ballast.
Anyways, would a standard 2 x 36w electronic ballast be ok running 2 x 30w lamps, is there a tolerance "zone"?
One last question, does anyone know where I can buy mountable T8 lampholders.
Thanks.

 

[Spark123]

I take it you don't have live plants in there?
The best bet is to buy a proper light controller as the ends need to be moisture tight such as these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Arcadia-A...pplies_Fish&hash=item4cfe7d853b#ht_2054wt_922

 

[BigJon]

No live plants, thanks for the link, now that you mention it I've got a couple of those controllers from previous tanks, but for 2 foot lamps, if they're not factory sealed I could pop in a different switch start ballast.
Cheers

 

[Peet]

Running lamps from slightly overated ballasts, I'll guess the striking will be fine but once struck the lamp currents will be higher than ideal, this might do two things I can think of:
1) the lamp's life will probably be shortened, but by how much is hard to say.
2) the colour temperature / spectrum may change due to the different operating point.