Single vs Dual Ballast

pbnj · 03/20/2010, 04:41 PM

Are there any disadvantages to using a dual ballast compared to two single ballasts?

Seems like a no-brainer, but as with many things that seem too good to be true.....

James77 · 03/20/2010, 04:58 PM

Less wires possibly, less equipment sort of- no real big advantage, although they tend to be cheaper than buying 2 separate ballasts.

rodneyri · 03/20/2010, 05:26 PM

I use the galaxy dual, no difference in the output of the light than singles that i can tell. i like having less wires and neater setup in the cabinet.

ganjero · 03/20/2010, 05:55 PM

The major disadvantage I see is if one of the outlets goes bad and you need to send it in for service you lose 2 of your lights instead of 1. Other than that they are good to save space.
My personal preference is to have individual ballasts.

Equipment Junky · 03/20/2010, 07:12 PM

Another disadvantage with the dual ballasts is the draw at start up, especially if you're close to maxing out your circuit. With 2 singles you can space out the times they come on.

03/20/2010, 04:41 PM	#1
pbnj Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 381	Single vs Dual Ballast Are there any disadvantages to using a dual ballast compared to two single ballasts? Seems like a no-brainer, but as with many things that seem too good to be true.....

03/20/2010, 04:58 PM	#2
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	Less wires possibly, less equipment sort of- no real big advantage, although they tend to be cheaper than buying 2 separate ballasts. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

03/20/2010, 05:26 PM	#3
rodneyri Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 822	I use the galaxy dual, no difference in the output of the light than singles that i can tell. i like having less wires and neater setup in the cabinet.

03/20/2010, 05:55 PM	#4
ganjero saiperchémibatteilcorazon Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 4,027	The major disadvantage I see is if one of the outlets goes bad and you need to send it in for service you lose 2 of your lights instead of 1. Other than that they are good to save space. My personal preference is to have individual ballasts.

03/20/2010, 07:12 PM	#5
Equipment Junky Moved On Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 68	Another disadvantage with the dual ballasts is the draw at start up, especially if you're close to maxing out your circuit. With 2 singles you can space out the times they come on.