250 watt ballast for 120gal tank

[rm41400]

HI-

I am trying to decide which ballast to purchase. The PFO250PS or PFO250HQI.

Currently I have a dual PFO400PS with two PFO mogul pendents (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc..._Code=PFO-PENDANT&Category_Code=Pendantshells) and have decided to downgrade to (2) 250 watt MH's. I plan to use my existing pendents.

Will the PFO250HQI run all the 250 watt mogul bulbs you carry or just European vs? I want alot of flexability with my new ballast. I do not plan to run DE bulbs at first, I will just want to run some Hamiltons I already have. Please give me a reccomendation of the ballast and what bulbs it can and cannot run. Thanks!

 

[eclecticvibe]

Go with the HQI. It can run most any bulb, be it single or double ended. It does drive the bulbs harder, so you get more light, but shorter bulb life.

 

[rm41400]

After a little more research I have seen some info reccomending just going with an electronic ballast. Do you have a dual version of this product number (PFO250ELEC) from your website?

Would this not be a better option than the HQI? Wont the electronic offer better bulb life compared to the HQI?

Thanks!

 

[rm41400]

Bump bump

 

[Jeremy B.]

Unfortunately there is not a dual version of that particular ballast you are looking for, so you would need to do two singles.

An electronic ballast will increase the lamp life out of a bulb, but not the spectral life, unless you are significantly underdriving the lamp, in which some cases the electronic will do.

I would boil it down to this....

If space and energy consumption is a main concern, go with the electronic. If you want to get the max light output out of your lamps and you're not worried about space and energy consumption, go with a standard magnetic, or better yet the "hqi" magnetic.

 

[eclecticvibe]

There isn't a dual electronic ballast. You're better off buying single ballasts in case one ever goes down. You don't have to send both back for repair. An electronic ballast will give you longer bulb life. It will also put out about 20% less light. Just depends on what you're trying to achieve. If you want to maximize growth, go with an HQI. If you're trying to save money, electronics are a good choice. If you chose an electronic ballast, make sure you get the kit to wire a quick disconnect to your pendant.

 

[rm41400]

Thanks guys!