bulb/watts help

[erebus]

I was think about getting the raw "250W -HQI, Advance Magnetic M80 Metal Halide Ballast" from hellolight. Is there anything I should be worried about or do I need to do anything special (fans or heatsink)? Does anyone use one?

[JimD]

Just remember that the M-80 ballast will overdrive most bulbs, generaly shortening their usable lifespan and they run much hotter than say an e-ballast. Unless you intend to run like a Radium or any other bulb that needs to be over driven, Id probably make another choice.

[erebus]

I plan on using HQI helios

[erikharrison]

go for the electronic! You don't want a superhot ballast. This is Texas, remember?

[caferacermike]

LOVE my Icecaps. There was an ad on RC 2 days back for 2x 250W Icecap ballasts for $50 each. Probably sold as fast as he hit the "post" button, but it's worth a try. Even when I tear my tank down in a few months I fully plan to keep those ballasts, just to have them around.

[matt]

If you want maximum intensity from the 250W DE bulbs, the M80 ballast is the way to go. If you look at Sanjay's site, many of the DE bulbs put out almost 20% more PAR with the M80 as opposed to electronic ballasts. Sure, they get hot, but they're remote, so big deal. They're not too bad, heat wise. They do use more electricity, that's a definite. As far as shortening the usable life of the bulb, I have heard that but to my knowledge nobody has ever proven it. (Maybe I've missed it)

[erebus]

I agree with you matt but I ended up getting a good deal on a coralvue eballast. I also went with the helios 12.5k bulb. As soon as I get them up I will post pictures.