electronic or magnetic ballast 250 watt HQI DE

[reefsahoy]

my ballast need replacing and need help deciding which one to get. Electronic or magnetic ballast on a DE hqi. I am considering ICE Cap 250 watt, anyone out there with experiences with those or recommend any other. does the ICE cap run hot?

[turbonut]

Originally Posted by reefsahoy

my ballast need replacing and need help deciding which one to get. Electronic or magnetic ballast on a DE hqi. I am considering ICE Cap 250 watt, anyone out there with experiences with those or recommend any other. does the ICE cap run hot?

if you have an hqi bulb then stick with an magnetic ballast even though a electronic will run the bulb you have they seem to underpower them if you ask me

[Nexenn]

Originally Posted by turbonut

if you have an hqi bulb then stick with an magnetic ballast even though a electronic will run the bulb you have they seem to underpower them if you ask me

Yes I agree. You must use magnetic ballasts to drive HQI bulbs correctly. Look at the HQI bulb information. They all state the required ballast spec (Ex: M80, M81, etc.) The "M" specs are only met with magnetic ballasts. Electronic ballasts do not burn to M80 or M81 spec ever. Therefore, your bulbs don't burn with the right spectrum or intensity.

[grigsy]

+1

I use HQI M80 250 watt ballasts. I prefer their performance on HQI 250 watt bulbs versus MH electronic ballasts.

Plus, the magnetics ballasts tend to be much more reliable.