MH Ballast question

Rennsport · 01/04/2010, 12:20 AM

I have recently setup a new tank, build thread here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...1674129&page=3

The Geisseman light I have is a 2x 150w MH with 4xT-5 -- 48" pendant. The ballasts I have are these huge things that make all kinds of noise upon startup -- then quiet down shortly thereafter. I assume these are not electronic type ballasts.

My question is, can I update these to something a little more modern, quiet and perhaps energy efficient? Each light draws a tick over 5 amps!

Another question, I assume the connectors arent standard amongst ballast types, so how does one adapt them?

Many thanks!

Rowe78 · 01/04/2010, 12:25 AM

I bought a 250w icecap ballest that the plugs didnt match up. All I did was cut the end off the ballest cord and replace it with one that worked.

Rennsport · 01/04/2010, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rowe78

I bought a 250w icecap ballest that the plugs didnt match up. All I did was cut the end off the ballest cord and replace it with one that worked.

Cool, thanks for the info. I've been reading about ballasts for an hour now and seem to have learned most ballasts offer bare wires where one must terminate to their own lights, no biggy really. So, I gather there isnt a connector standard.

I am using Radium 150w 20k bulbs, if this makes a difference.

Rowe78 · 01/04/2010, 01:35 AM

Its just some companys make diffrent connectors.

Rennsport · 01/04/2010, 08:41 AM

OK, thanks guys, but back to my original question, can I update these to something a little more modern, quiet and perhaps energy efficient?

This is assuming by the noise (at startup) and size/weight of the ballast's I currently have they are of the magnetic type.

01/04/2010, 12:20 AM	#1
Rennsport Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 284	MH Ballast question I have recently setup a new tank, build thread here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...1674129&page=3 The Geisseman light I have is a 2x 150w MH with 4xT-5 -- 48" pendant. The ballasts I have are these huge things that make all kinds of noise upon startup -- then quiet down shortly thereafter. I assume these are not electronic type ballasts. My question is, can I update these to something a little more modern, quiet and perhaps energy efficient? Each light draws a tick over 5 amps! Another question, I assume the connectors arent standard amongst ballast types, so how does one adapt them? Many thanks! __________________ I Survived the Great Reef Central Black Out Of 2009! Best regards, Chris

01/04/2010, 08:41 AM	#5
Rennsport Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 284	OK, thanks guys, but back to my original question, can I update these to something a little more modern, quiet and perhaps energy efficient? This is assuming by the noise (at startup) and size/weight of the ballast's I currently have they are of the magnetic type. __________________ I Survived the Great Reef Central Black Out Of 2009! Best regards, Chris

01/04/2010, 12:25 AM	#2
Rowe78 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: KCMO Posts: 38	I bought a 250w icecap ballest that the plugs didnt match up. All I did was cut the end off the ballest cord and replace it with one that worked.

01/04/2010, 01:35 AM	#4
Rowe78 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: KCMO Posts: 38	Its just some companys make diffrent connectors.