PFO Ballast HQI or non-HQI

derek4real · 04/09/2009, 02:33 PM

I have recently purchased a Dual 400W Ballast "PFO"

Got it for 150.00 and included reflectors and bulbs <--Hella Good Deal

There is no sticker on it, to identify it being a HQI Ballast. Is there a way to see which one I have? It appears to be older and does not have switches and special connector cords. The only thing that makes it resemble the PFO is the case.

Previous owner was using it with mogul sockets.

I am looking at buying bulbs for it but got to find out what kinda ballast it is.

mr. pluto · 04/09/2009, 03:49 PM

does not look like a pfo to me because of the connector cords.
strange that it would have 1 power cord & no switches.

DarG · 04/09/2009, 04:01 PM

If there is no sticker with an ANSI code on the case, pull off the cover and the ANSI code should be listed on the transformers themselves inside the case.

derek4real · 04/09/2009, 04:16 PM

I was wondering if there are any knock off PFO / Look-a-like Ballasts?
I did a search on google and could not find this one. All I was able to get were PFO EYE ballast or PFO HQI Ballast. I did not see regular 400W (magnetic) ballasts.

derek4real · 04/09/2009, 04:22 PM

just disassembled it like you suggested DarG and it is a M59 (Magnetic)

Thanks.

DarG · 04/09/2009, 04:29 PM

OK, its a probe start then.

Link to a List of the different bulbs and their types. It's a little older article now but still relevant as many of the bulbs listed are still available.

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

derek4real · 04/09/2009, 04:36 PM

I was thinking of getting (SE) XM 20K or Reeflux 20K

what would you suggest for color?

DarG · 04/10/2009, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by derek4real
I was thinking of getting (SE) XM 20K or Reeflux 20K

what would you suggest for color?

Dont know anything about the 400 watt halides in terms of how they look, etc. Unfortunately, the color and relative intensity of many of the different brands of bulbs across the different wattages and base types is not always consistent. So my experience with 150, 175 and 250 watt lamps, many of which I am familiar with, wont necessarily translate to the 400 watt lamps.

I would suggest starting a new post with 400 watt lamp suggestions or something similiar in the title. That way you can get descriptions and opinions from those reefers who actually use the 400 watters.

04/09/2009, 02:33 PM	#1
derek4real Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 451	PFO Ballast HQI or non-HQI I have recently purchased a Dual 400W Ballast "PFO" Got it for 150.00 and included reflectors and bulbs <--Hella Good Deal There is no sticker on it, to identify it being a HQI Ballast. Is there a way to see which one I have? It appears to be older and does not have switches and special connector cords. The only thing that makes it resemble the PFO is the case. Previous owner was using it with mogul sockets. I am looking at buying bulbs for it but got to find out what kinda ballast it is.

04/09/2009, 03:49 PM	#2
mr. pluto Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: bay area Posts: 1,191	does not look like a pfo to me because of the connector cords. strange that it would have 1 power cord & no switches.

04/09/2009, 04:01 PM	#3
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	If there is no sticker with an ANSI code on the case, pull off the cover and the ANSI code should be listed on the transformers themselves inside the case.

04/09/2009, 04:16 PM	#4
derek4real Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 451	I was wondering if there are any knock off PFO / Look-a-like Ballasts? I did a search on google and could not find this one. All I was able to get were PFO EYE ballast or PFO HQI Ballast. I did not see regular 400W (magnetic) ballasts.

04/09/2009, 04:22 PM	#5
derek4real Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 451	just disassembled it like you suggested DarG and it is a M59 (Magnetic) Thanks.

04/09/2009, 04:29 PM	#6
DarG Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,515	OK, its a probe start then. Link to a List of the different bulbs and their types. It's a little older article now but still relevant as many of the bulbs listed are still available. http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/sj/index.php

04/09/2009, 04:36 PM	#7
derek4real Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 451	I was thinking of getting (SE) XM 20K or Reeflux 20K what would you suggest for color?