2 X 175Watt halide setup with Ushio 10k

[Andrewsreef]

Hi, I just ordered for the first time a 2 X 175 Watt Halide retro with Ushio 10k bulbs from your store (9/2/03). I do not beleive the PFO ballast that comes with this retro is a pulse start or is it? Cory who I spoke to did not think the pulse start was necessary to run the 10k Ushios which is what I plan to run along with my VHO actinics.

I do not understand what all the talk about "pulse start" means. Will the PFO ballast run my bulbs safely and will I get good bulb life? Do I need a "pulse start kit"? I just want to make sure as this is my first time with Halides so I am a newbe to them and I want to get it right. I am hearing some conflicting stories from friends of mine who have halides.

Thanks again.

Andrew

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi Andrew,

Ushio has recently released new specs for their 175w lamp. They do recommend it being ran off of a pulse start ballast now. Having said that, nothing has changed with this bulb. So this is still the same lamp, as far as build goes, that they have been recommending to run off of a standard ballast for quite a few years now. The only problems we have encountered with the Ushio, and I think this is why they may have changed specs on it, is the lamp sometimes does not want to fire the very first time it is ever lit. If this is the case, leave the ballast on for about 3-4 hrs, letting the ballast continually trying to restrike the lamp. Once it fires just let it run for a little bit. After that you should not have any problems with the lamp firing ever again. We will still warranty the bulb with the standard ballast.

Thanks,
Jeremy

 

[Andrewsreef]

Thanks for the input and quick response. I saw on the web site a "upgrade" for $20. Is this upgrade for this problem? Should I go ahead and get it? If it has no real benefit (extending bulb life) I would not want it but if it is a good thing, I would like to add it to my order.

Thanks again.

Andrew

 

[Jeremy B.]

Hi Andrew,

The pulse start option will be easier on the start up of the bulb, thus prolonging the overall life of the lamp. IMO it will not extend the spectrum life of the lamp though, which we have to change lamps for before the bulb actually dies anyways.

 

[Andrewsreef]

One last question as I received my retro kit and installed it. It seems to be working just fine.

I do not have a lot of room under my stand to mount the ballast (I did not realize how big it was). The best location for it (according to my wife who is picky about this in her living room) is next to the aquarium along a wall hidden by a antique wheele. Unfortunatly, there is not enough cord for the ballast to sit flat on the floor. It is proped up legenth wise at about a 45 degree angle. There is enough slack in the cords for it to do this without any tension on them. Is it ok for the ballast to stand up like this?

Thanks for the help.

Andrew

 

[coryc]

Hi Andrew,

You may not encounter any problems but I would feel safer if you could raise the ballast with a small shelf or something similar. If the lamp cords are too short, we do sell Extensions.

Thanks,

Cory

 

[Andrewsreef]

Thanks for the help. I think I have it situated now. I still may order the extensions if I decide to place it completely in the other room.

One last question concerning the Ushio 10Ks. How often do you need to replace the bulbs? I plan on running them for 9-10 hours a day. I replace my VHO bulbs every six months so I do not have color issues with my corals. I have heard that Halides last longer. Is once a year normal?

Thanks

Andrew

 

[coryc]

Hi Andrew,

The 10K Ushio should be replaced annually. I do agree with you on the VHOs, especially the actinic bulbs.

Thanks,

Cory