Question about aquarium lights

[robotuna]

Hey, All,

Ok, so this may seem to be a strange question, but I'm having trouble
finding the answer. What exactly is a "ballast" for an aquarium light.
Thanks.

Travis

[Bill Stock]

"robotuna" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Hey, All,
>
> Ok, so this may seem to be a strange question, but I'm having trouble
> finding the answer. What exactly is a "ballast" for an aquarium light.
> Thanks.
>
> Travis
>

Here's the blurb:

"A device used to operate fluorescent and HID lamps. The ballast provides
the necessary starting voltage, while limiting and regulating the lamp
current during operation."

pilfered from:

http://www.goodmart.com/facts/light_bulbs/glossary.aspx

[Dick]

On 3 Apr 2005 16:28:22 -0700, "robotuna" > wrote:

>Hey, All,
>
>Ok, so this may seem to be a strange question, but I'm having trouble
>finding the answer. What exactly is a "ballast" for an aquarium light.
>Thanks.
>
>Travis

An electrical device needed to provide flourescent lights with
electrical conditions needed to operate. It is a heavy metal cased
part located above the reflector inside the light hood. If you remove
the screws holding the reflector to the hood, you will find the
ballast. It will have 5 or 2 wires coming from it.

dick

[wormsburp]

It's the thingy that runs your flourescent tubes.

[robotuna]

Thanks, guys. I had a feeling that may have been what it was, but I was
getting confused about all the talk of internal and external ballasts,
and some of the more advanced features.

Travis

[logos]

Not to mention the function of ballasts on submarines.

"robotuna" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Thanks, guys. I had a feeling that may have been what it was, but I was
> getting confused about all the talk of internal and external ballasts,
> and some of the more advanced features.
>
> Travis
>