Ballast quesion.

[Rick Modena]

I need to know if a higher wattage ballast can operate a lesser wattage fluoresent bulb.

I'll make a long story short, I sent back a ballast for my aquarium in for warranty, they said it was discontinued and are sending a higher wattage (54W) ballast but my bulbs are (39W), will it work with the smaller wattage bulbs?

[TeeShock]

Is the ballast magnetic or digital?

Overdriving fluorescent bulbs with magnetic ballasts is a hazard.

Modern digital ballasts are engineered to operate a broad range of bulbs, knowing that most bulb combos are fed by more current than designed. The lumens (output) of the bulbs do not increase in direct ratio to the amount of wattage (power) the ballast consumes. The greater you overdrive a fluorescent bulb, the less efficient it becomes, as it is starting to drift out of the bulb's optimal design parameters and the life of the bulb will shorten. The frequency shifts but the color will remain the same, yielding more lumens.

[Rick Modena]

Hmmm, it might be magnetic. If it was an electronic I would assume it would be smaller and this one is kinda of bulky.

Hagen Glo T-5 H.O. 2x54w (model#1558)

[TeeShock]

Hmmm, it might be magnetic. If it was an electronic I would assume it would be smaller and this one is kinda of bulky.

Hagen Glo T-5 H.O. 2x54w (model#1558)

Magnetic ballasts have the potential to flicker and hum the bulb, that would be the first indication.

Your product's cut sheet claims its digital. Hook those mofos up.

http://www.hagen.com/pdf/aquatic/GLO-T5-Lighting-Program-EN.pdf

Disclaimer:
I am not a licensed engineer. I do not recommend overdriving the bulbs, however I would overdrive my own setup without hesitation.

[Rick Modena]

lol @ Addendum 01.

Thanks man.