electrical vs magnetic ballast?

an411 · 10/17/2007, 12:14 PM

Is one better then the other? or do they both have there applications they are good for?

der_wille_zur_macht · 10/17/2007, 12:30 PM

Depends on what you're looking for and which ballasts in specific you're talking about.

In general, for the comparable spec of ballast, most magnetics will draw more power and operate less efficiently - though the overall output might be higher despite the lower efficiency.

Electronic ballasts are almost always much more expensive, but if you get an efficient model that still manages high output, it can pay for itself in a few months or years.

kevin2000 · 10/17/2007, 01:20 PM

Been a while but my recollection is that electronic ballast are 1) smaller 2) more expensive and 3) less heat. I suspect they may be more energy effecient as well.

an411 · 10/17/2007, 02:07 PM

alright thanks guys I will keep this in mmind while choosing a ballast

moo0o · 10/17/2007, 03:23 PM

i also heard that electronic ballast tend to make bulbs burn whiter.

ayort · 10/17/2007, 04:13 PM

I've been running a magnetic for years, due to cost. (I thought)
However I've discovered over these years that magnetics burn hotter and burn out bulbs in half the time of an electronic. So at 30ish dollers per bulb. Suddenly that $150.00 ballast looks alot cheaper after a year or so when the third set just fried.
Most $40.00 magnetic VHOs only run 2 bulbs X 48"(T12) per ballast vs say a $150.00 ice cap that can run 4 - 48" T12s and with the right equipment can be dimmed, and repaired. You can't repair a potted magnetic ballast. With electronic you can send in the ballast and have it back fixed in a couple days. Magnetic you need a new ballast. You add all this up on paper and you'll see electronic is the way to go. If you don't you'll wish you had when that fourth set burns out and you're down almost $500.00 in just bulbs. Not to mention electronic claim to use 40% less electricity.

Also some magnetic ballasts(most) leak tar. You don't want that in your tank, or dripping on your carpet under the tank.

10/17/2007, 12:14 PM	#1
an411 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Derby CT Posts: 2,861	electrical vs magnetic ballast? Is one better then the other? or do they both have there applications they are good for?

10/17/2007, 12:30 PM	#2
der_wille_zur_macht Team RC Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: NY Posts: 17,749	Depends on what you're looking for and which ballasts in specific you're talking about. In general, for the comparable spec of ballast, most magnetics will draw more power and operate less efficiently - though the overall output might be higher despite the lower efficiency. Electronic ballasts are almost always much more expensive, but if you get an efficient model that still manages high output, it can pay for itself in a few months or years. __________________ Inconveniencing marine life since 1992 "It is my personal belief that reef aquaria should be thriving communities of biodiversity, representative of their wild counterparts, and not merely collections of pretty specimens growing on tidy clean rock shelves covered in purple coralline algae." (Eric Borneman)

10/17/2007, 01:20 PM	#3
kevin2000 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,805	Been a while but my recollection is that electronic ballast are 1) smaller 2) more expensive and 3) less heat. I suspect they may be more energy effecient as well.

10/17/2007, 02:07 PM	#4
an411 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Derby CT Posts: 2,861	alright thanks guys I will keep this in mmind while choosing a ballast

10/17/2007, 03:23 PM	#5
moo0o Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SJ,CA Posts: 1,694	i also heard that electronic ballast tend to make bulbs burn whiter.

10/17/2007, 04:13 PM	#6
ayort Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Arvada, Colo. Posts: 38	I've been running a magnetic for years, due to cost. (I thought) However I've discovered over these years that magnetics burn hotter and burn out bulbs in half the time of an electronic. So at 30ish dollers per bulb. Suddenly that $150.00 ballast looks alot cheaper after a year or so when the third set just fried. Most $40.00 magnetic VHOs only run 2 bulbs X 48"(T12) per ballast vs say a $150.00 ice cap that can run 4 - 48" T12s and with the right equipment can be dimmed, and repaired. You can't repair a potted magnetic ballast. With electronic you can send in the ballast and have it back fixed in a couple days. Magnetic you need a new ballast. You add all this up on paper and you'll see electronic is the way to go. If you don't you'll wish you had when that fourth set burns out and you're down almost $500.00 in just bulbs. Not to mention electronic claim to use 40% less electricity. Also some magnetic ballasts(most) leak tar. You don't want that in your tank, or dripping on your carpet under the tank.