karimwassef
Active member
Less output per output ... I need a nap. Language skills diminishing
Halide Q & A
- Thread starter BlueCorn
- Start date
midnightmadman
New member
So an electronic MH ballast splits the power equally electronically while a Magnetic is just a single "shot" of electric coming out per bulb... correct? Now I know why people sometimes say the old magnetic ballasts can drive the bulbs better
karimwassef
Active member
no no.. duals split the power while dedicated provide consistent output.
Dedicated electronic ballasts are superior to the magnetic ballasts. They're more efficient, run cooler and can maintain the voltage better, even with line variances.
I would not advocate for magnetic ballasts. IMO, they overdrive the bulbs and make them burn out faster. They also generate more heat to the immediate area.
Dedicated electronic ballasts are superior to the magnetic ballasts. They're more efficient, run cooler and can maintain the voltage better, even with line variances.
I would not advocate for magnetic ballasts. IMO, they overdrive the bulbs and make them burn out faster. They also generate more heat to the immediate area.
midnightmadman
New member
Hmm
So your saying even a magnetic dual ballast is splitting the power ? Years ago I had a dual magnetic and from what I remember there were two ballasts in the aluminum box
So your saying even a magnetic dual ballast is splitting the power ? Years ago I had a dual magnetic and from what I remember there were two ballasts in the aluminum box
karimwassef
Active member
I don't know how the magnetic dual ballasts are designed. They could be split or combined.
Here's what I'm saying (to be clear) - IME
Electronic is better than magnetic.
Dedicated single ballasts are better than duals.
Here's what I'm saying (to be clear) - IME
Electronic is better than magnetic.
Dedicated single ballasts are better than duals.
midnightmadman
New member
Thank
I learned something that I didn't know
So now I may look for a second 175 ballast
I learned something that I didn't know
So now I may look for a second 175 ballast
The only that I have ever owned - PFO dual M80 - were two separate ballasts in a single box.
Electronic is not always better than magnetic. If they bulbs are designed for Magnetic, especially HQI and Radiums, then they run better off of Magnetic ballasts. Some 10K bulbs will do significantly better off of M58. Some don't care. It matters.
Electronic is not always better than magnetic. If they bulbs are designed for Magnetic, especially HQI and Radiums, then they run better off of Magnetic ballasts. Some 10K bulbs will do significantly better off of M58. Some don't care. It matters.
five.five-six
Well-known member
I have two questions. Question 1 can a Galaxy electronic ballast for a DE bulb? It outputs 4 amps so I think it can but I haven't been able to find a firm answer. Question 2 on the ballast itself it states don't unplug the lamp cords while it is plugged in. It is a dual 250 ballast and it is going over a 40 breeder so I only need the one lamp if I protect the other female socket that is not in use with some sort of insulating cover would that be okay?
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Cabo sun Mini
Cabo sun Mini
Hello,
Does anyone have par distribution plots for the cabo sun mini or know what the spread is like.
From the BRS video on metal halides, the cabo sun the spread is almost perfectly even at 18" depth.
Just wondering if the Cabo Sun mini is the same except with a less spread, which will be fine since the normal cabo sun can light very wide tanks by the looks of the BRS video.
I am wanting to light a 24x24x12 frag tank.
Cabo sun Mini
Hello,
Does anyone have par distribution plots for the cabo sun mini or know what the spread is like.
From the BRS video on metal halides, the cabo sun the spread is almost perfectly even at 18" depth.
Just wondering if the Cabo Sun mini is the same except with a less spread, which will be fine since the normal cabo sun can light very wide tanks by the looks of the BRS video.
I am wanting to light a 24x24x12 frag tank.
Syntax1325
Acro Addict
I just purchased three of the Reef Brite MH/XHO Se pendants and ballasts from BRS , 250 watt. I ordered three of their twin arc 14k bulbs as well. Any general thoughts on this? I was debating 14k vs 20k twin arcs... I thought the 20k might be too blue.
I'm pretty darn excited.... very glad to move on from led and to see the real long shimmer of halides.
I'm pretty darn excited.... very glad to move on from led and to see the real long shimmer of halides.
greengeco82
Reefer
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Last edited:
biecacka
Active member
Question, I am currently running a single 400 10k bulb on my tank. I am thinking of switching to two 250 watt bulbs just for a little more spread. What is an ideal height for he bulb to be off the water line? Or should I measure from the bottom of the reflector? My 400 bulb is 15 inches off the water line on a 24 inch tank. I figure I can lower the 250s to still get plenty of punch in the tank. However I'm curious as to a good mounting height because I am going to build a light rack that rests on my tank top. That's why I am curious on bulb distance off the water. The tank has an internal overflow and a eurobrace so the water is about 2 inches from the tanks eurobrace.
Thanks for the insight.
Corey
Thanks for the insight.
Corey
karimwassef
Active member
I set mine to get to 1900 PAR maximum.
karimwassef
Active member
MH was at 1900 peak x 19 hours.
Sunlight I'm at 1600 x 6 hours, but uniform.
Sunlight I'm at 1600 x 6 hours, but uniform.
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