MH lighting Guru's

Fuzznutz · 04/22/2008, 07:18 AM

When a bulb "color shifts" due to improper ballast (i.e. running Ushio 14k DE bulb on a m138 instead of an m80) does this mean the bulb is shot or will it be fine once the correct ballast is in place? Also, when a 14k bulb color shifts and produces more yellow, does it then basically just become a lower kelvin bulb with the same par or less par, etc?

Fuzznutz · 04/22/2008, 08:54 PM

bump

ahullsb · 04/22/2008, 11:28 PM

I'm not sure but I think it would be shot. You are running a double ended bulb on a single ended ballast? If so do you have glass covering the fixture? Here is a good read though...Oh and how do you like your z? I used to have a 1991 twin turbo that I miss "Oh so much."

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/sj/index.php

Fuzznutz · 04/23/2008, 04:27 AM

Well, the fixture is the Current USA...and it comes with M138 ballasts, which can run DE bulbs, just not to spec. Anywho, I have leafed through that link before, didn't really see my answer. I hooked up the M80 ballast yesterday and the bulbs do look brighter, but still yellowish...I will do the white bucket test tonight to make sure my water isn't yellow

LOVE THE Z. It is my dream car...funny thing though, she sits in the driveway all the time since I've had kids

--been thinking about selling her, then I drive her and I grin from ear to ear. She has lots of mods (basically everything except upgraded turbos and manifolds) and only 68k on her...such a fun car to drive!

PaulErik · 04/23/2008, 11:25 AM

The bulb wonâ€™t get damaged quickly on a pulse start (ANSI M138/M153) ballast. It will just cause an increase in wear versus being operated on the proper ballast (ANSI M80). When you switch ballasts on a lamp the lamp generally requires another burn in to stabilize. The burn in time will vary but usually after a few hours (less than 100 hours) and a few on/off cycles the lamp should restabilize.

Fuzznutz · 04/23/2008, 11:53 AM

Cool, thanks!

04/22/2008, 07:18 AM	#1
Fuzznutz Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 252	MH lighting Guru's When a bulb "color shifts" due to improper ballast (i.e. running Ushio 14k DE bulb on a m138 instead of an m80) does this mean the bulb is shot or will it be fine once the correct ballast is in place? Also, when a 14k bulb color shifts and produces more yellow, does it then basically just become a lower kelvin bulb with the same par or less par, etc?

04/22/2008, 11:28 PM	#3
ahullsb Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: sacramento, ca Posts: 2,729	I'm not sure but I think it would be shot. You are running a double ended bulb on a single ended ballast? If so do you have glass covering the fixture? Here is a good read though...Oh and how do you like your z? I used to have a 1991 twin turbo that I miss "Oh so much." http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/sj/index.php __________________ Andy Sacramento, CA Current Tank Info: 55 gallon reef w/20 gallon sump/ER135/ 75 pounds of live rock, 4 in sandbed, 2 b&w ocellaris clowns, yellow watchman/pistol, rosy scaled wrasse, Mystery wrasse, Copperbanded Butterfly, Lighting 48" outer orbit 2 150 mh/ 4 t5 actinics

04/22/2008, 08:54 PM	#2
Fuzznutz Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 252	bump

04/23/2008, 04:27 AM	#4
Fuzznutz Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 252	Well, the fixture is the Current USA...and it comes with M138 ballasts, which can run DE bulbs, just not to spec. Anywho, I have leafed through that link before, didn't really see my answer. I hooked up the M80 ballast yesterday and the bulbs do look brighter, but still yellowish...I will do the white bucket test tonight to make sure my water isn't yellow LOVE THE Z. It is my dream car...funny thing though, she sits in the driveway all the time since I've had kids --been thinking about selling her, then I drive her and I grin from ear to ear. She has lots of mods (basically everything except upgraded turbos and manifolds) and only 68k on her...such a fun car to drive!

04/23/2008, 11:25 AM	#5
PaulErik Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: North Charleston, SC Posts: 1,703	The bulb wonâ€™t get damaged quickly on a pulse start (ANSI M138/M153) ballast. It will just cause an increase in wear versus being operated on the proper ballast (ANSI M80). When you switch ballasts on a lamp the lamp generally requires another burn in to stabilize. The burn in time will vary but usually after a few hours (less than 100 hours) and a few on/off cycles the lamp should restabilize.

04/23/2008, 11:53 AM	#6
Fuzznutz Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 252	Cool, thanks!