Bulb need to match ballast..?

jsmall79 · 08/13/2008, 07:42 PM

IceCap 250W MH single-ended ballast if I have this ballast do I need to run a 250W bulb or can I run a smaller bulb say 175W would that hurt the ballast or would that blow up the bulb?
New to the hobby need all the help I can get Thanks for any feedback!

PaulErik · 08/13/2008, 09:04 PM

The ballast and lamp wattage must match. A metal halide lamp requires a ballast because the lamp will take as much current as it can take until it fails. The ballast limits power to the lamp. A lower wattage lamp will be overdriven (operated past the wattage rating) on a higher wattage ballast.

08/13/2008, 07:42 PM	#1
jsmall79 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 39	Bulb need to match ballast..? IceCap 250W MH single-ended ballast if I have this ballast do I need to run a 250W bulb or can I run a smaller bulb say 175W would that hurt the ballast or would that blow up the bulb? New to the hobby need all the help I can get Thanks for any feedback! __________________ ClickRed House To See What I am Working With Current Tank Info: Cycling 44Gal.

08/13/2008, 09:04 PM	#2
PaulErik Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: North Charleston, SC Posts: 1,703	The ballast and lamp wattage must match. A metal halide lamp requires a ballast because the lamp will take as much current as it can take until it fails. The ballast limits power to the lamp. A lower wattage lamp will be overdriven (operated past the wattage rating) on a higher wattage ballast.