Need some HQI ballast advice

[tycoakley]

Hey y'all... Im in the market for some 250 watt hqi ballast. Im upgrading from 150's to 250's. Plan to run some phoenix 14k's again, I know these bulbs can run on HQI, pulse start or electronic. Any advice on what ballast would run these the best would be great. Ive read up a bit on this subject and heard m80 magnetic is the way to go. Well if anyone has anything laying around that they are trying to sell please let me know. I have the reflectors and ordered some bulbs. just need some ballast.

 

[tycoakley]

anyone? Brandon? Capt Cully? TMZ?

 

[pascal32]

the 250 HQI Phoenix (double ended) looks like it is specced for an M80 pulse (source: http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/sj/index.php). I ran mine with an electronic ice cap and they looked great. they will look different on an M80, not sure how they would look different though.

for an M80 check the reeflux cube, I used one on a radium setup and it was fantastic. pretty sure it's an M80, would double check though.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/sj/index.php

 

[octopus737]

M80 will overdrive them to their intended potential. Same with Radium bulbs as well. M80 will give more of a blue look. Electronic will be more of a white look. If i remember correctly the M80 gives more PAR as well. Anyone feel free to correct me if i am wrong. This observation comes from me trying Phoenix 14k and Radiums on M80 and Icecap ballast.

Hope this helps,

Jason

 

[Willistein]

M80 is what you want, but I believe it will run them whiter vs. an electronic HQI ballast which will be bluer. I have a dual 250 (BlueWave 7) M80 ballast running radiums - looks amazing.

http://www.aqualightsonline.com/servlet/the-179/dual-250-metal-halide/Detail