MH Ballast question

[eleyan]

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]

why dont you get the dual PFO ballast?

[alexwolf]

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...ode=PFOballast

[eleyan]

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]

If you don't have bulbs yet ....
This dual kit comes complete w/bulbs of you choise ...
http://diyreef.com/shop/product_info...b7b470abc7b3ae

[eleyan]

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]

you can add the sockets and reflectors there too,
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch...y_Code=Sockets

I bought my stuff there, and am VERY happy. I have the dual 250.

[matt]

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]

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.....