ballast question

[shaggy14]

I had an extra ballast which I have believed to be a magnetic ballast lying around for almost a year now. Tonight I decided to see if it would fire an hqi bulb. To my suprise it did. The bulb also looked a lot less yellow on this ballast. Does this mean the ballast is actually electronic and is it safe to use over the tank? Just don't want a bulb blowing up or anything. Ballast is an old Hamilton

 

[RokleM]

Many ballasts will fire the "wrong" bulbs, but don't expect it to last long or burn correctly. I would not recommend it what so ever. Your best bet is to post up pictures, find any identifiable serial/model number, and go from there.