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View Full Version : MH Ballast question


eleyan
Wed, 14th Apr 2004, 02:19 PM
I was wondering if you can use one ballast to power up 2 MH bulbs at the same time. I need 2x175 W bulbs, and I wanted to buy one ballast (400W) and use it with 2 mugul suckets for 2x175 bulbs. Will that work, and what type/brand ballast would be the best for this.
alexwolf
Wed, 14th Apr 2004, 02:40 PM
why dont you get the dual PFO ballast?
alexwolf
Wed, 14th Apr 2004, 02:41 PM
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code =PFO175D&Category_Code=PFOballast
eleyan
Wed, 14th Apr 2004, 02:43 PM
I though the dual ballasts were more expensive. Do you know who has a good deal on a dual retrofit kit with the sockets and reflectors?
samiam_orami
Wed, 14th Apr 2004, 02:49 PM
If you don't have bulbs yet ....
This dual kit comes complete w/bulbs of you choise ...
http://diyreef.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=101&osCsid=fec72e627f 27cfcaeab7b470abc7b3ae
eleyan
Wed, 14th Apr 2004, 02:56 PM
Sam, I checked that site out after you showed me your setup. It looks like they are out of the dual electronic ballasts, they only have the magnetic now. I also wasn't sure if the dual 250W will be too hot for my tank especially that I don't have much hight in the canopy, so I will have to mount them only 6-7" above the water instead of 10-12".
alexwolf
Wed, 14th Apr 2004, 03:38 PM
you can add the sockets and reflectors there too,
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code =PFO-RSAMED&Category_Code=Sockets

I bought my stuff there, and am VERY happy. I have the dual 250.
matt
Wed, 14th Apr 2004, 04:38 PM
You can't use one ballast for two bulbs. Also, 2 250W bulbs will not produce significantly more heat than the 175s. A little more, but probably not so much that you'd have a heat problem with one and not with the other. You're taking a big chance mounting mh bulbs that close to the water.
Tim Marvin
Wed, 14th Apr 2004, 07:57 PM
I have mine 5 inches above the water. They are DE 250's though so they have a glass UV shield. I rarely have to clean the glass because they don't get splashed often. I just put in 2 new MegaChrome bulbs from aquatek and they are unbeleivable! Brilliant light, even better than the 10k xm's I was using........IMO.....