DC8 Question

[Fliger]

I am contemplating a ACIII Pro. I have heard though that the DC units do not like HQI ballasts. I have an AquaMedic 2x250W pendant and both HQI ballasts are controlled by one plug - so it's a lot of wattage. Is the DC8 dependable enough? I don't know if this problem has been worked out.

I have run a wattage meter and it actually only draws about 300 watts when it first starts, but slowly works its way up to over 600 watts.

Thanks,

David

 

[ErikS]

What I can answer -

HQI's in general on a DC8 = okay, works fine
AquaMedic Individual HQI's on a DC8 = okay, fine

Specs say that max on a single outlet is 6a (720w) = should be okay......but....grand total for the entire unit is 15a so you might be a tad limited on the other outlets. The lights alone are drawing 5a which only leaves you 10a for the rest (and that's only if you have a 20a circuit - a 15a circuit would leave you with 7a).

The DC4HD can do 12a on each outlet (but a limit if 15a total), maybe 1 DC8 for the main stuff & a DC4HD???

I ended up with 2 DC8's because I had too much stuff for one unit :lol:

Curt - get in here & answer the man's question.

 

[clp]

Assuming the ballast has a high power factor (most are .98 or .99), then the current used in 500W of power consumption is 600/120/.99 ~= 5 Amps. The DC8 is spec at 6 Amps, so this is not a problem. I'm not aware of any interference/reliability issue HQI ballasts and Direct Connect boxes.

Curt