MH I got at frag swap...

[Ding2daDong]

I traded a few frags for a EVC Technologies pendant fixture and just had a few questions before I put this thing to work.

The ballast says; EVC Technologies 400w Metal halide electronic ballast.

The bulb doesn't say anything on it at all but was sold as a 175w double ended bulb.

Stay with me now... The two parts where the bulb fits in says;

VS 5v Pulse rated 1000w. 600v.

I have never used metal halides before so since all of these numbers are off it is giving me a false sense of security. Supposedly the ballast is just overdriving the bulb and was told it was okay.

I did a search and only came up with negative comments regarding overdriving metal halides. I don't want to fry the ballast or blow out the bulb if there is a way to fix it or if it isn't broken at all...

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

-Matthew

 

[ReefWreak]

All I can say is if the ballast says 400w, it's driving 400watts through that bulb, and you shouldn't use anything but a 400w bulb. That's my take, although I would check with both the person you bought it from and the lighting forum. Actually there are a few club guys who are electronics wizzes too.

 

[jeffbrig]

The fixture is rated to handle anything up to 1000w. Sounds like you have a 400w setup, like ReefWreak said, the ballast is the determining factor. See if you can find a 400w bulb to test it with.

Also, I'm not aware of any 175w DE bulbs. You'll find 150/250 in DE, but 175 is usually SE.

 

[Ding2daDong]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10490611#post10490611 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jeffbrig
The fixture is rated to handle anything up to 1000w. Sounds like you have a 400w setup, like ReefWreak said, the ballast is the determining factor. See if you can find a 400w bulb to test it with.

Also, I'm not aware of any 175w DE bulbs. You'll find 150/250 in DE, but 175 is usually SE.

Thanks for all the help.

So now I am looking for a 20k 400w metal halide bulb.

-Matthew

 

[Trigeek]

Throw a 400w in there, Matt!!! They'll be able to see your house glow from outerspace!! Woohoo!!!

The zoos you gave me are great. Thanks!!

 

[Jon770]

Hey Matt, I wish I knew you were going to be at the swap selling zoos...I didnt even think to look out for you.

Which table were you at? Maybe I bought from you without even realizing it - i did come home with some nice zoos...

 

[Ding2daDong]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10493939#post10493939 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jon770
Hey Matt, I wish I knew you were going to be at the swap selling zoos...I didnt even think to look out for you.

Which table were you at? Maybe I bought from you without even realizing it - i did come home with some nice zoos...

I had a 20g long set up with power compacts. I was to the right of coralreeffarm and to the left of reef envy. I had sunglasses on the top of my head, look young, big guy?

So I guess the 175w bulb is not okay to use.

To be safe and not burn down my house I am going to search for a 400w bulb.

You all can find me in the lighting forum now lol searching for the best 400 de bulb for growth and color.



Thanks again

-Matthew

 

[scubasteve247]

hey matt, i got a 400 watt sps bulb at the store, its 10k but andy said its the bluest bulb hes every used, i think he said bluer then a 20k,

 

[nyvp]

I have a 20k xm bulb I just gave to jeff at CRF got it in a trade when i got my pfo hqi ballasts

 

[Jon770]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10494527#post10494527 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ding2daDong
I had a 20g long set up with power compacts. I was to the right of coralreeffarm and to the left of reef envy. I had sunglasses on the top of my head, look young, big guy?

oh, I did buy from you. I got a frag of that AMAZING orange acan. i couldnt be happier...

 

[Jon770]

(sorry to hijack the thread...)