Ballast/bulb compatibility question

[masgatigata]

I recently bought 2x Hamilton 250w hqi ballasts (m80). Will this fire up a 250w mogul radium bulb?

 

[mordibv]

Yes . That's is the preferred ballast for that bulb.

 

[masgatigata]

I thought so. I'm having problems getting 2x250w radiums to fire up. The Phoenix 14k work fine so I know it's not my wiring. The back of the ballast says: 250w HQI double ended use only ANSI m80. Does that mean it will only work on double ended radiums?

 

[mordibv]

Nope . It should fire any bulb but regular SE bulbs (not radiums ) will be over driven slightly.

 

[masgatigata]

Thank you! Now I have to just figure out why these bulbs don't work. :0(

 

[mordibv]

I would contact a fellow reefer or lfs n take your radiums over to test them . It's pretty much cut in dry from there.

 

[masgatigata]

Good advise. Thank you again.

 

[mordibv]

I just remembered that you could try this . Unplug the ballasts . Remove the radiums and try to use a chopstick or a flat screwdriver and slightly bend the contact tab (thingy in the middle of the socket) .U bend it outwards towards the open end of the socket . Sometimes a bulb does not make good contact with the mogul and may not fire .