Hydroponic ballast for halides?

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by MacnReef, Mar 5, 2003.

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  1. MacnReef

    MacnReef Fire Shrimp

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2003
    Messages:
    301
    Location:
    Apopka, FL
    Hello all. A few years ago I tried metal halides. 2-175W 10k bulbs plus a NO actinic on my 65. I used two hydroponic light ballast and for some reason I could look directly at the bulbs and it they did not seem very bright. I mean in all reality it looked like the tank was light by 3-NO actinics. Was it because of the ballast?

    The reason I ask is because looked at a 10K 175W at my lFS and it was so bright I could not look directly at the bulb. The bulbs were used for like two weeks then put in storage. I was planning on using one on my 20H but before I buy a ballast and reflector and fans, is it just the bulb. It is a 175W 10K blueline bulb.

    Let me know!

    BTW, I ran a 250W 14K on my 10g and it was EXTREMELY bright. Either it is the bulb or the ballast!
     
    MacnReef, Mar 5, 2003
    MacnReef, Mar 5, 2003
    #1

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  2. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

    Joined:
    Dec 31, 2000
    Messages:
    13,466
    Location:
    Berkeley, CA
    Ballasts play a big part from everything I have heard an seen. You know what? I just remembered there is a sweet link in the 'links library' section that breaks down bulbs and ballasts. Check it out! :)
     
    Matt Rogers, Mar 6, 2003
    Matt Rogers, Mar 6, 2003
    #2
  3. MacnReef

    MacnReef Fire Shrimp

    Joined:
    Feb 23, 2003
    Messages:
    301
    Location:
    Apopka, FL
    WOW, that has some great info...
     
    MacnReef, Mar 6, 2003
    MacnReef, Mar 6, 2003
    #3