MH questions

T-dub · 01/29/2011, 10:03 PM

First off I got a used setup that included 3x 400w MH lights with what appears to me to be a DIY ballast setup. I would like to upgrade the ballasts to something a little more efficient. My question is about the cords. Are the male ends from the current fixtures compatible with a new ballast? The cords have 3 prongs. 2 round ones on the bottom and a centered top prong that is flat.
My second question is about the fixtures themselves. Right now the bulbs are open to the air. I would like to get actual enclosed fixtures with reflectors. Can I get just a reflector somewhere cheap? Thanks for lookin!

T-dub · 01/30/2011, 10:05 PM

Bump... anyone? are my cords compatible with new ballasts? can I get reflectors with no wiring cheap? Where?

jayk198030 · 01/30/2011, 10:12 PM

the cord could always be cut off and rewired to any new ballast configuration. (you may need an electrician for that or a local Radio Shack guy, they are usually pretty good.)

I bought some cheap $30 -$40 reflectors new from the LFS and just screwed them into my light canopy.

T-dub · 01/30/2011, 10:20 PM

ever hear of issues with bulbs not being enclosed? Water splashing up and causing the bulbs to blow, etc?

jp634 · 01/30/2011, 10:41 PM

it is possible for bulbs to break but mine are not covered and they are 9" off the water. I clean them every 2-3 weeks before the lights come on there to hot to do it at any other time

myerss · 01/30/2011, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-dub

First off I got a used setup that included 3x 400w MH lights with what appears to me to be a DIY ballast setup. I would like to upgrade the ballasts to something a little more efficient. My question is about the cords. Are the male ends from the current fixtures compatible with a new ballast? The cords have 3 prongs. 2 round ones on the bottom and a centered top prong that is flat.
My second question is about the fixtures themselves. Right now the bulbs are open to the air. I would like to get actual enclosed fixtures with reflectors. Can I get just a reflector somewhere cheap? Thanks for lookin!

It will be hard to match the cords you have to a new ballast, different manufacturers have different stuff, no real set standard as far as I know. You'll probably end up buying new cords for the ballast you buy and then hooking the other end to the bulb fixture.

If you have no reflector then the bulbs really aren't doing much but blasting what's directly below them. You need to invest in some good reflectors, if you miss this part of the puzzle all the other money in bulbs and ballasts are really a waste. I've used Lumenarc 3's and they are awesome, they spread the light out very evenly.

myerss · 01/30/2011, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T-dub

ever hear of issues with bulbs not being enclosed? Water splashing up and causing the bulbs to blow, etc?

The bulbs when on are crazy hot, if a fish jumps or you get a fair amount of fairly cold water (80 degrees) on them they will blow, sure. That said, I've ran multiple halides unshielded from spray over my tanks for several years and hadn't seen one pop, just use caution, especially when doing maintenance!

jayk198030 · 01/31/2011, 12:04 AM

as far as the reflectors they dont have to be top notch. get what you can afford. i do great with my cheap ones. i keep all types of corals.

my bulbs are also uncovered and never had any issues in 7 years. I clean them every so often.

T-dub · 01/31/2011, 10:35 AM

Thanks for the advice. I do have reflectors mounted in the hood (need some cleaning) but would like the added safety of an enclosed fixture but wanted to see how much current equipment I could salvage. I may just buy all new stuff.

01/29/2011, 10:03 PM	#1
T-dub Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Marshall, MN Posts: 214	MH questions First off I got a used setup that included 3x 400w MH lights with what appears to me to be a DIY ballast setup. I would like to upgrade the ballasts to something a little more efficient. My question is about the cords. Are the male ends from the current fixtures compatible with a new ballast? The cords have 3 prongs. 2 round ones on the bottom and a centered top prong that is flat. My second question is about the fixtures themselves. Right now the bulbs are open to the air. I would like to get actual enclosed fixtures with reflectors. Can I get just a reflector somewhere cheap? Thanks for lookin!

01/30/2011, 10:12 PM	#3
jayk198030 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tag, your it! Posts: 783	the cord could always be cut off and rewired to any new ballast configuration. (you may need an electrician for that or a local Radio Shack guy, they are usually pretty good.) I bought some cheap $30 -$40 reflectors new from the LFS and just screwed them into my light canopy. __________________ I feel like 1.025 and i look like skimmate. I eat crap and throw up! What am I? Current Tank Info: I need help!!

01/31/2011, 12:04 AM	#8
jayk198030 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Tag, your it! Posts: 783	as far as the reflectors they dont have to be top notch. get what you can afford. i do great with my cheap ones. i keep all types of corals. my bulbs are also uncovered and never had any issues in 7 years. I clean them every so often. __________________ I feel like 1.025 and i look like skimmate. I eat crap and throw up! What am I? Current Tank Info: I need help!!

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01/30/2011, 10:05 PM	#2
T-dub Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Marshall, MN Posts: 214	Bump... anyone? are my cords compatible with new ballasts? can I get reflectors with no wiring cheap? Where?

01/30/2011, 10:20 PM	#4
T-dub Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Marshall, MN Posts: 214	ever hear of issues with bulbs not being enclosed? Water splashing up and causing the bulbs to blow, etc?

01/30/2011, 10:41 PM	#5
jp634 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: wyoming Posts: 234	it is possible for bulbs to break but mine are not covered and they are 9" off the water. I clean them every 2-3 weeks before the lights come on there to hot to do it at any other time

01/31/2011, 10:35 AM	#9
T-dub Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Marshall, MN Posts: 214	Thanks for the advice. I do have reflectors mounted in the hood (need some cleaning) but would like the added safety of an enclosed fixture but wanted to see how much current equipment I could salvage. I may just buy all new stuff.