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04/01/2011, 10:56 AM
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#1 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Lubbock, Tx
Posts: 3,165
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old mag ballast
My old PFO 400w ballast just don't seem to be working like they used to.
My question is, do mag ballast loose intensity over time, or should they be pumping out the same as new? I have new bulbs, and they just arnt what you would expect from a 400w SE bulb. Par numbers are low as well. Do I need to look into buying some new ballast, or what's my options?? thanks ahead of time
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Its not just my tank, its OUR tank!!! :-) 240display, reef in progress Current Tank Info: 240 display, a few frags here and there. lots of fish, and lots of watching. (230 big screen getting re-sealed and going to add to the gallonage) My wife has no clue how addicted i really am..... |
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04/01/2011, 11:17 AM
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#2 |
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Premium Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Ohio
Posts: 663
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I had old 250w m58 ballast and recently upgraded to electronic the difference is quite noticable bulb burn much brighter now and the ballast are quiet and run cooler plus thier more energy efficient. Id say its worth the uprgade i got two of them for little over $100 bucks
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04/01/2011, 11:43 AM
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#3 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Zuehl, Texas
Posts: 4,460
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Because of the heat mag ballast produce they continue to lose there efficiency. I have replaced ballast that where only 50% efficient. With electronic they either work or don't. I have two from coral vue that are 7 years old and up against one that is two years old no difference. Once again you need to match your ballast to your lamps because there are pulse start and probe start lamps. Whether it is a pump or ballast, heat is wasted energy.
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04/01/2011, 12:05 PM
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#4 |
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Registered Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Lubbock, Tx
Posts: 3,165
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ToddG - What ballast did you upgrade to?
alton - I am running Radiums, and like them (previously i have run XM and others, but they seem to have me hooked right now. I was looking at the lumateck ballast that can be selected from 400 to 400HQI. any thoughts?
__________________
Its not just my tank, its OUR tank!!! :-) 240display, reef in progress Current Tank Info: 240 display, a few frags here and there. lots of fish, and lots of watching. (230 big screen getting re-sealed and going to add to the gallonage) My wife has no clue how addicted i really am..... |
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04/01/2011, 12:15 PM
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#5 |
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Premium Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Ohio
Posts: 663
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I got mine from this web site thiers some pretty good deals on thier only mine are 250w i assume you want 400
http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?...allast&catId=0 |
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