Best & most efficient MH ballast???

TheGrog · 12/01/2007, 08:27 PM

So I am totally frustrated with trying to search for this info, so I thought I would ask.

I am going to be upgrading from my magnetic 250w MH ballast (single end mogul bulb) to a better ballast.

I am looking for something that will give good light output, AND be more electrically efficient than a magnetic ballast.

I am thinking of an electric ballast.

ANyone have any input on this???

sherm71tank · 12/01/2007, 09:50 PM

Depends on what you mean by best! An HQI magnetic ballast will drive an HQI bulb better than an electronic but will use more electricity. Far as I know the Ic-Cap electronic ballasts are the best as far as the e ballasts go.

reef_doug · 12/02/2007, 12:08 AM

Magnetic are the best for color. E-ballast are the best for efficiency. I have 3 Ice Cap running 250w HQI and they work fine.

I've heard Galaxy e-Ballast are pretty good also, but not quite as efficient.

Why are you changing? It may be worthwhile to stick with the magnetic consider the cost to change.

PaulErik · 12/02/2007, 01:56 PM

You want a more efficient system. Ballast efficiency will vary by the lamp used. A ballast using less wattage does not equal a more efficient setup. You have to compare wattage and the light output. In some cases a magnetic ballast can be more efficient depending on the lamp.

You can check the efficiency by looking a Sanjayâ€™s lighting site: http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com

12/01/2007, 08:27 PM	#1
TheGrog Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Woodstock, IL Posts: 753	Best & most efficient MH ballast??? So I am totally frustrated with trying to search for this info, so I thought I would ask. I am going to be upgrading from my magnetic 250w MH ballast (single end mogul bulb) to a better ballast. I am looking for something that will give good light output, AND be more electrically efficient than a magnetic ballast. I am thinking of an electric ballast. ANyone have any input on this??? __________________ When in doubt.....add more beer...then try duct tape Current Tank Info: 120G Reef with Ecotech Radion LEDs, 2xMP40

12/02/2007, 12:08 AM	#3
reef_doug Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Hesperia/Apple Valley Posts: 3,814	Magnetic are the best for color. E-ballast are the best for efficiency. I have 3 Ice Cap running 250w HQI and they work fine. I've heard Galaxy e-Ballast are pretty good also, but not quite as efficient. Why are you changing? It may be worthwhile to stick with the magnetic consider the cost to change. __________________ "If you have more than one tank in your livingroom, you might be a reefneck" Current Tank Info: 180r SoCal Creations, 75g SCC1M Sump, WM EcoBAK, NextReef SMR1, TropicMarin Salt, ACIII, 3x250w HQI Phoenix 14k, 2x140w Super Actinics, ATi BM250, Eheim 1262, Tunze 2x6100+7095, Tunze Osmolator, 6 stage RODI w/ Spectrapure MaxCap

12/01/2007, 09:50 PM	#2
sherm71tank Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 3,670	Depends on what you mean by best! An HQI magnetic ballast will drive an HQI bulb better than an electronic but will use more electricity. Far as I know the Ic-Cap electronic ballasts are the best as far as the e ballasts go.

12/02/2007, 01:56 PM	#4
PaulErik Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: North Charleston, SC Posts: 1,703	You want a more efficient system. Ballast efficiency will vary by the lamp used. A ballast using less wattage does not equal a more efficient setup. You have to compare wattage and the light output. In some cases a magnetic ballast can be more efficient depending on the lamp. You can check the efficiency by looking a Sanjayâ€™s lighting site: http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com