[ncy]

Hi everyone,
I have a Coralife CF fixture that came with a bulb I didn't like (part actinic) so I bought a different one (6700K/10000K Dual Daylight).Today I noticed that the label on the fixture says 28 watts, but the bulb I'm using is 32 watts. My questions are "Am I getting the full power out of this bulb?" and "Is it possible to go to a higher wattage bulb too?" Thanks for any advice.

 

[davemonkey]

My understanding is that the ballast drives the bulb. So, you will be getting 28 watts of energy out of that lamp.

-Dave

 

[supersmirky]

That's odd...Usually power compact bulbs have the same consistent wattage based on size of bulb. Did you change sizes?

 

[ncy]

Nope, it's the same size (12.75") bulb... the new(er) one is a Current SunPaq 32w bulb... so maybe since its a different company the wattage is also different. Well, I guess it was an improvement over the 1/2 actinic bulb, but I'm kind of bummed I didn't end up with a wattage increase like I thought I did. :|

 

[supersmirky]

The good news is you now have 6500/10k vs the actinic that did nothing for your tank. So yes, in a sense you did pick up some wattage

 

[ncy]

:thumbsup: