electrical vs magnetic ballast?
- Thread starter an411
- Start date
der_wille_zur_macht
Team RC
Depends on what you're looking for and which ballasts in specific you're talking about.
In general, for the comparable spec of ballast, most magnetics will draw more power and operate less efficiently - though the overall output might be higher despite the lower efficiency.
Electronic ballasts are almost always much more expensive, but if you get an efficient model that still manages high output, it can pay for itself in a few months or years.
In general, for the comparable spec of ballast, most magnetics will draw more power and operate less efficiently - though the overall output might be higher despite the lower efficiency.
Electronic ballasts are almost always much more expensive, but if you get an efficient model that still manages high output, it can pay for itself in a few months or years.
I've been running a magnetic for years, due to cost. (I thought)
However I've discovered over these years that magnetics burn hotter and burn out bulbs in half the time of an electronic. So at 30ish dollers per bulb. Suddenly that $150.00 ballast looks alot cheaper after a year or so when the third set just fried.
Most $40.00 magnetic VHOs only run 2 bulbs X 48"(T12) per ballast vs say a $150.00 ice cap that can run 4 - 48" T12s and with the right equipment can be dimmed, and repaired. You can't repair a potted magnetic ballast. With electronic you can send in the ballast and have it back fixed in a couple days. Magnetic you need a new ballast. You add all this up on paper and you'll see electronic is the way to go. If you don't you'll wish you had when that fourth set burns out and you're down almost $500.00 in just bulbs. Not to mention electronic claim to use 40% less electricity.
Also some magnetic ballasts(most) leak tar. You don't want that in your tank, or dripping on your carpet under the tank.
However I've discovered over these years that magnetics burn hotter and burn out bulbs in half the time of an electronic. So at 30ish dollers per bulb. Suddenly that $150.00 ballast looks alot cheaper after a year or so when the third set just fried.
Most $40.00 magnetic VHOs only run 2 bulbs X 48"(T12) per ballast vs say a $150.00 ice cap that can run 4 - 48" T12s and with the right equipment can be dimmed, and repaired. You can't repair a potted magnetic ballast. With electronic you can send in the ballast and have it back fixed in a couple days. Magnetic you need a new ballast. You add all this up on paper and you'll see electronic is the way to go. If you don't you'll wish you had when that fourth set burns out and you're down almost $500.00 in just bulbs. Not to mention electronic claim to use 40% less electricity.
Also some magnetic ballasts(most) leak tar. You don't want that in your tank, or dripping on your carpet under the tank.
