Ballast Upgrade

[paul_111]

Hi All...

It's almost time to change the MH bulbs in my 48" Outer Orbit 150W hood (2x 150w DE HQI + actinics), and I think I want 15k (maybe 12k) bulbs, but want more par than they provide.

So, I thought if I upgraded the ballast to a 250w, I'd have almost as much par with 15k at 250w as 10k at 150w.

Has anyone successfully run 250w in a 150w system, or do I really need to upgrade the ballast? If I need the upgrade, does anyone know where I can find them?

Thanks!
Paul

[aquaman3680]

Anybody correct me if I am wrong, the 250 watt bulbs are longer than the 150 watt. I tried to do the same thing with my aqualight pro at one point and was told that it wouldn't work from a ESU (energy savers unlimited, or corallife) rep. that this was not possible. I would recommend the 10K Reeflux DE's if you look at my thread and on the first page or so those pics are all taken under 10K DE Reeflux bulbs just to give you an idea of what they look like.

Matt

[DaveK]

Originally Posted by paul_111

...
Has anyone successfully run 250w in a 150w system, or do I really need to upgrade the ballast? ...

When using MH you MUST match the bulbs to the ballast. So if you want to upgrade you must replace the bulbs and the ballasts.

Since we are talking about DE bulbs you must also upgrade the socket. The mounting method for 250w bulbs is completely different from 150w bulbs.

In addition make sure your fixture can deal with the additional heat. 250w DE bulbs run extremely hot.

Since you are going to this much trouble, be sure to purchase electronic ballasts. They will consume far less power, and pay for themselves in 1 to 2 years.

Now one thing you are going to notice is that you are replacing almost everything, except the basic housing. This is a case where it might be a lot easier to just get a new fixture, and sell the old one. You might even come out better, cost wise, doing this than you would doing an upgrade.

[burning2nd]

intresting,

We have the 70watt Hqi sunpod setup... witch is the same length as the 150 Hqi,

relizeing that 70watt is more then plenty for a 5.5 gal tank I consited replaceing with a 150.

but for future use, if i ever use that light for a laster 10, or 15 gal tank

how would i go about changeing to a 150 from 70?

where do i get a ballast for that? that would be the same size? and plug right in?

[bighead]

you must use the right ballast for the lamp 250 with 250 175 with 175 if the screw in sockets are the same you do not need to change them hqi and other lamps I am not familiar with

[BoomerD]

IIRC, the 70w. and 150w.DE bulbs use the same socket, and the 250w. and 400 w. DE bulbs use the same sockets. You HAVE to match the ballasts and bulbs with MH. No way around that...