ballast replacement question

[RockDocPro]

I am in the process of replacing two 250W MH ballasts. If I replace them with 400W ballasts, could I still run 250W bulbs, and later upgrade to 400W bulbs if I want? The "Marine Depot Guy" said running a 250W bulb on a 400W ballast will possibly blow the bulb and at very least change the color/wavelength of the light. Any insights are appreciated.

 

[evsalty]

All the reading I have done on that says DO NOT DO IT. But I have know experience in that myself.

 

[jkeim1974]

It will blow the bulbs in a short period of time

 

[RockDocPro]

Thanks for the info. I guess it's gonna be 250's again...

 

[soulsigma]

Each wattage lamp and ballast are designed together for optimal performance and safety. If you over drive the lamp it may explode and shorten the life of the ballast and lamps. If you under drive the lamp it will also shorten the life of both components and also may explode. Do not mix different type wattages of lamps and ballasts:eek2: