Best Metal Halide ballats
- Thread starter dadnjesse
- Start date
Tom,
It really depends on which bulbs you want to run.
Some require a true HQI ballast to operate at spec, while others will be more than fine with electronic.
I assume that since you refer to the fixture as HQI, that you're talking about 250w DE.
I'm not particularly versed on 250w DE lamps because I never liked dealing with the whole UV shielding issue, but they are still a great setup.
I'd suggest researching lamps to see which ones you're most interested in, then make your ballast decision based on what the lamp requires.
I've used Icecap electronic, PFO HQI, Vertex electronic, and Galaxy electronic.
None of these ever disappointed me.
I think you'll find that for the most part modern ballasts (short of maybe the cheap ebay knock-off variety), all perform within a very small margin of each other.
Where you'll see a difference is running an HQI bulb with an electronic ballast, which will underdrive the bulb and reduce both output and bulb life.
I'm not an expert by any means, but I have been through several lighting setups at this point. Hope this helps.
It really depends on which bulbs you want to run.
Some require a true HQI ballast to operate at spec, while others will be more than fine with electronic.
I assume that since you refer to the fixture as HQI, that you're talking about 250w DE.
I'm not particularly versed on 250w DE lamps because I never liked dealing with the whole UV shielding issue, but they are still a great setup.
I'd suggest researching lamps to see which ones you're most interested in, then make your ballast decision based on what the lamp requires.
I've used Icecap electronic, PFO HQI, Vertex electronic, and Galaxy electronic.
None of these ever disappointed me.
I think you'll find that for the most part modern ballasts (short of maybe the cheap ebay knock-off variety), all perform within a very small margin of each other.
Where you'll see a difference is running an HQI bulb with an electronic ballast, which will underdrive the bulb and reduce both output and bulb life.
I'm not an expert by any means, but I have been through several lighting setups at this point. Hope this helps.
James77
Team RC
HQI and DE have become interchangeable in the hobby. There is a memeber here named "PaulErik", I would search out his posts, he is very knowledgeable on ballsts.
Now, my opinion on ballasts......Most DE bulbs in the hobby, and quite a few singel ended ones, are HQI rated, meaning they ideally run on an M80 magnetic ballast. Models are the now discontinued PFO HQI and Sunlight Supply Blue Wave 7 HQI. Current one is AquaMedic Reeflex cube. Ideal ballast, but the switchable electronic ones like Lumatek are also an option. Still not to the HQI spec, but closer than the standard electronic.
Halfway down is a chart with the correct ballast for many older model bulbs:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/sj/index.php
So....Ideally the Phoenix 250w DE bulb wants to be on a magentic M80 ballast. But, a standard electronic will run them bluer and underdriven, a switchable HQI electronic will still not be spec, but will pump more wattage into it and is a good middle ground IMO to get lower wattage draw and smaller sized ballasts.
Now, my opinion on ballasts......Most DE bulbs in the hobby, and quite a few singel ended ones, are HQI rated, meaning they ideally run on an M80 magnetic ballast. Models are the now discontinued PFO HQI and Sunlight Supply Blue Wave 7 HQI. Current one is AquaMedic Reeflex cube. Ideal ballast, but the switchable electronic ones like Lumatek are also an option. Still not to the HQI spec, but closer than the standard electronic.
Halfway down is a chart with the correct ballast for many older model bulbs:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/sj/index.php
So....Ideally the Phoenix 250w DE bulb wants to be on a magentic M80 ballast. But, a standard electronic will run them bluer and underdriven, a switchable HQI electronic will still not be spec, but will pump more wattage into it and is a good middle ground IMO to get lower wattage draw and smaller sized ballasts.
Yes, HQI is more of a ballast designation. I believe MOST 250w DE lamps are designed for an HQI ballast, but it's something you should consider when making your choice.
Modern electronic ballasts will fire just about any lamp, and use less electricity, but they generally do so at the expense of light output, and sometimes there's a shift in color - and even this isn't true all the time (it's bulb dependent).
There aren't a lot of true HQI ballasts still available on the market - only two come to mind for me right now (Hamilton and the Reeflex Cube).
You can find a lot of information on bulb/ballast combinations here - http://www.manhattanreefs.com/lighting
Modern electronic ballasts will fire just about any lamp, and use less electricity, but they generally do so at the expense of light output, and sometimes there's a shift in color - and even this isn't true all the time (it's bulb dependent).
There aren't a lot of true HQI ballasts still available on the market - only two come to mind for me right now (Hamilton and the Reeflex Cube).
You can find a lot of information on bulb/ballast combinations here - http://www.manhattanreefs.com/lighting
heckeng
New member
The Lumatek and Galaxy ballasts will come with the corresponding electrical ends to match up with the stock Maristar fixture which is nice. I have a 48" Maristar and Lumatek e-ballasts and they look great. I have not had the same light hooked up to an old style mag ballast to compare them to though.
Grendel0501
New member
I run a 250w IceCap ballast with 14k Phoenix DE bulb. I have done so for about 2 years. I switched to a Aquamaxx bulb for afew months but its spectrum shifted way too quicky.
Sticking with Phoenix from now on.
Sticking with Phoenix from now on.
If you want the full potential from the light, use the M80 ballast, remember there is a glass shield between the bulb and the tank and it takes away from the potency of the bulb, it only makes sense with DE bulbs to run the correct ballast to get the most the bulb has to offer. I have been using the AquaMedic Reeflex cube ballast and it is built very well. One thing that robs magnetic ballasts of efficiency and life is heat, these ballasts are not just vented, but the design with the fan actively cools the ballast. The price is very attractive as well.
Well I just bought two IceCap 250watt ballast and the bulbs are Phoenix 14k
Hopefully these will work well
Purple Rocks
New member
Just wanted to jump in and say that i really like the lumatek ellectronic ballasts i have owned 4 at one point( 3 now) have had mine for years and they still run cool enough to rest your hand on, ignite every time, never blown a bulb have a 600E and 3 - 400E
there great, love them, and they come in a very flashy purple!
thanks for letting me post this
there great, love them, and they come in a very flashy purple!
thanks for letting me post this
Mmiller40gt
arrogant reefer
On my 48 inch maristar I have a lumatek switchable 150,175,250 and HQI ballast. Running 14k phoenix on HQI setting. Looks really good. I need to Decide what T5's to supplement with.
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