150w MH up 250w MH

[the droob]

Hi all ,When I first set up my tank I ran a 250w metal halide light for about 6 months and then it blew so I needed a new bulb asap ,all I could find was a 150w which has been on for a while now ,can I go back to a 250 without upsetting the tank,
p.s. both bulbs were 20,000k and I want to run a 250w 14000k bulb.
Thanks for any info on this :hmm4:

 

[allsps40]

FYI you can not run a 150w bulb on a 250w ballast.

 

[snulma1]

I could be wrong, but aren't those bulbs physically 2 different sizes? or am I thinking of 150 vs 70?

Either way, you should never put a smaller bulb on a ballast that is meant to push a higher wattage. You should consider yourself very lucky that you haven't blown the bulb or the ballast.

 

[Soulsanctu]

could be a switchable ballast...

 

[the droob]

It's been a few days ,sorry guys ,away for Easter ,I didn't mention that they are double ended globes and I was told it was 250w when I purchased it but don't know that for a fact ,I was away when it blew and my son in law changed it,anyway over Easter I saw some new LED setups that my LFS run on their display tank and thats the way I'm going to go ,compact unit running 60% white and 40% blue , they are a 150w unit so should suit my tank just nice, when I get it up and running with the LED's I'll post some pics,thanks for the replys