400w SE Ushio 14k

[tsquad]

How is this bulb, run on a PFO standard ballast, in terms of PAR and coloration? Should I look into getting the HQI ballast?

Thanks

 

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Did i miss something? When did they release the 250W and 400W versions? I thought they on ly had the 175W out so far?

 

[tsquad]

I think they came out a few months ago, here is the bulb I'm talking about:

http://www.hellolights.com/4014us.html

 

[PaulErik]

The 400-watt BLV/Ushio 14,000K should only be operated on a pulse start (ANSI M135/M155), HQI or electronic ballast.

This bulb does not have a starting circuit built inside the lamp. Using a probe start (ANSI M59) ballast can cause problematic starting over time because a probe start ballast does not have an external lamp starter (ignitor).

The 400-watt BLV/Ushio 14,000k bulb is designed for high current operation (designed for a European high current ballast) and will give the highest output on a HQI ballast. Using a pulse start or standard electronic ballast will under drive this lamp but is approved by Ushio.

 

[tsquad]

Hey, thanks for the info PaulErik. What kind of bulb would you recommend for my situation? I'm looking for color around 14k, but good growth as well, which is why I originally chose the Ushio..

 

[PaulErik]

Color is very subjective and a personal preference. The Ushio 14,000K is a very white bulb for being a labeled a 14,000K.

I would highly recommend looking at reef tanks in person and in pictures with different lighting. Pictures can be very misleading so be careful.

For good growth you defiantly want a high PAR lamp. I would recommend looking at http://www.cnidarianreef.com/lamps.cfm The lamps tested were 250-watt but give you a general idea what a lamp will look like. For comparing PAR (light output) for certain lamps look at Sanjay’s work http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com

 

[tsquad]

I did a little research, the Magnatek M59 is a probe start ballast...on Sanjay's link, the values of PAR gathered using that ballast should be comparable to what I'd get, no?

 

[PaulErik]

If you have a probe start ANSI M59 ballast then the results will be comparable.

All ANSI M59 magnetic ballasts will give similar results. The M59 code is a standard/specification that ballast and lamps are built to. All M59 ballasts and lamps are electrically compatible with each other.

For optimal and safe performance it is recommended to match ANSI codes and not just wattage. Each ANSI code has a different electrical specification standard.

 

[tsquad]

I have this ballast:
AQ2-400MH-120V

I'm searching the metal halide thread now to find out what kind of bulbs I can run on there, but you may have the answer so I posted my ballast too

 

[PaulErik]

It’s easier to list the lamps that are not compatible/recommended for that ballast. You generally want to avoid European spec lamps. Here are the most common lamps that are not recommended for a standard M59 ballast:

Single-Ended (SE) Lamps

AB/Aqualine Buschke 10,000K
Aquaconnect 14,000K
BLV/Ushio 10,000K (except Ushio CWA type: UHI-S400AQ/10/CWA)
BLV/Ushio 14,000K
BLV/Ushio 20,000K (except Ushio Colorlite Blue: UHI-S400BL)
Osram/Radium 20,000K

Double-Ended (DE) lamps

All brands and types

 

[tsquad]

Awesome, thanks a lot! One last question..what's the difference between PAR and PPFD?