MH 70w electronic ballast question

ScottC · 09/02/2008, 06:31 AM

I have a couple of electronic MH ballasts for 70w bulbs. It's labeled for use on M139, M143 or M98 lamps. What does that mean? I want to run a 70w HQI double ended bulb over a small frag tank, can I use this ballast?

Thanks!

PaulErik · 09/02/2008, 02:12 PM

Most electronic 70-watt ballasts are compatible with aquarium Double-Ended 70-watt lamps. Most DE (ANSI M85 â€“ Double-Ended Quartz Metal Halide) 70-watt lamps are actually rated at 75-watts. Most electronic ballasts will just drive them at a slightly reduced wattage.

ANSI M139 is for 70-watt Double-Ended Ceramic Metal Halide Lamps
ANSI M143 is for 70-watt Single-Ended Ceramic Metal Halide Lamps
ANSI M98 is for 70-watt Single-Ended Quartz Metal Halide Lamps

The ANSI codes tell you which lamps the ballast is designed to operate.

09/02/2008, 06:31 AM	#1
ScottC Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Greer, SC Posts: 140	MH 70w electronic ballast question I have a couple of electronic MH ballasts for 70w bulbs. It's labeled for use on M139, M143 or M98 lamps. What does that mean? I want to run a 70w HQI double ended bulb over a small frag tank, can I use this ballast? Thanks!

09/02/2008, 02:12 PM	#2
PaulErik Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: North Charleston, SC Posts: 1,703	Most electronic 70-watt ballasts are compatible with aquarium Double-Ended 70-watt lamps. Most DE (ANSI M85 â€“ Double-Ended Quartz Metal Halide) 70-watt lamps are actually rated at 75-watts. Most electronic ballasts will just drive them at a slightly reduced wattage. ANSI M139 is for 70-watt Double-Ended Ceramic Metal Halide Lamps ANSI M143 is for 70-watt Single-Ended Ceramic Metal Halide Lamps ANSI M98 is for 70-watt Single-Ended Quartz Metal Halide Lamps The ANSI codes tell you which lamps the ballast is designed to operate.