differences between magnetic and electronic balast

grayson · 09/06/2009, 09:09 AM

what are the differences between magnetic and electronic balast for MH? I heard magnetic balast consumes more power but has longer lifetime than electronica one. any other differences?

sedor · 09/06/2009, 09:39 AM

Electronic is more accurate and doesn't have the "hum" that magnetic does. Both will work, but if I was buying a new ballast and I had a choice between the two I would go electronic.

grayson · 09/06/2009, 11:44 PM

thanks, ryan.

waynem · 09/06/2009, 11:54 PM

Elec- higher cost
-lower elec use
-longer bulb life
-less heat

Mag-lower cost
-tend to last a tad longer

09/06/2009, 09:09 AM	#1
grayson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 123	differences between magnetic and electronic balast what are the differences between magnetic and electronic balast for MH? I heard magnetic balast consumes more power but has longer lifetime than electronica one. any other differences? __________________ Nothing else is more exciting than reef. Current Tank Info: 180g

09/06/2009, 09:39 AM	#2
sedor Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 4,689	Electronic is more accurate and doesn't have the "hum" that magnetic does. Both will work, but if I was buying a new ballast and I had a choice between the two I would go electronic. __________________ Ryan

09/06/2009, 11:44 PM	#3
grayson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Twin Cities, MN Posts: 123	thanks, ryan. __________________ Nothing else is more exciting than reef. Current Tank Info: 180g

09/06/2009, 11:54 PM	#4
waynem Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: What day? , what time? hmm I might have been. Posts: 435	Elec- higher cost -lower elec use -longer bulb life -less heat Mag-lower cost -tend to last a tad longer