How do I know which ballast to get?

[AliKat]

As many of you know, I bought an aquarium a couple of months ago. When I bought it, the seller told me that the ballast had broken awhile ago and that I could always replace it. Well, I'm ready to replace it, but have no idea what kind of ballast to look for.

The fixture is an MH fixture with a single bulb on either side. The MH bulb will work when plugged in, but the other two lights won't. Hence the need for the ballast, I guess.

How do I know which ballast I need to get?

Thanks!

 

[FunkieReefJunkie]

Each MH light needs it's own ballast. Things you need to check for are: wattage and type. So what is written on the old broken ballasts? You could stay with the original type and brand they ran on before or upgrade. Of course upgrade means different things to different people. For example, a Californian would think going with a lower wattage icecap electronic ballast is an upgrade while a Texan would scoff and call you a sissy and recommend a 400 watt PFO x infinity. I like to exaggerate for sheer amusement. Truth is I've only worked with electronic ballasts, so others need to chime in.

 

[Wrench]

So you've got an all-in-one type fixture that has a MH bulb and a pair of PC's or T5? I'd contact the manufacturer and get a replacement.

 

[nyvp]

I like the sunlight supply e ballast for an all arounder and the PFO Hqi for the power ballast.

 

[AliKat]

The MH light is working. It's the other two bulbs (I think they are actinics) that need the ballast. I have no idea who manufactures the light. I don't see a name on it anywhere. :-(