magohn Posted January 24, 2003 Share Posted January 24, 2003 Hello All This may seem like a silly question but after watching used MH 175w pendants go for almost retail on ebay, I decided to buy new. I just ordered a Coralife 175w pendant form HelloLights. My question is: Will this ballast operate any 175w bulb or does it have to be Coralife specific. I ask because I know Coralife also makes a 'dawn-dusk' ballast that IS bulb specific. Also, what is a 'magnetic ballast'?. So Im just checking with you guys. Sorry for the dumb questions... P.S. Here are the specs...only $189! Seems a decent deal! * Remote magnetic ballast with 15' cord. * UV-absorbing acrylic lens. * Available in black, bronze, white or gray. * Allows easy aquarium maintenance. * 9.5" diameter 14" tall. Link to comment
Physh1 Posted January 24, 2003 Share Posted January 24, 2003 You should be able to run most mogul base 175 watt bulbs with no issues. A magnetic ballast is simply transformer based instead of electronic. The magnectic type run hotter, much hotter, than electronic. Some bulbs burn stronger on electronic and some run better on magnetic. You can read this http://www.californiareefs.com/tanktechlighting.htm for some info on magnetic vs. electronic ballasts and what determines what bulbs work on what ballast..... Hope that helps, Cameron Link to comment
Dave ESPI Posted January 24, 2003 Share Posted January 24, 2003 those are 12000K if memory serves.... they are indeed an exclusive bulb and ballast system. FWIW, I had the displeasure of toying with one... they are BIG POS and are not even worth the pennies per pound on the scrap metal from their cases. get a god unit. you will thank yourself later. Link to comment
magohn Posted January 24, 2003 Author Share Posted January 24, 2003 Dave. I think you are confusing what I actually got. I now realize that the 'dawn-dusk' type Coralife ballast is indeed bulb specific. However the ballast I purchased here: http://www.hellolights.com/17penfix.htm does indeed appear to be a "simple" ballast that will operate any type of bulb. Thanks guys for your input on this... Link to comment
TNreefguy Posted January 24, 2003 Share Posted January 24, 2003 I run two coral life ballasts with 10k bulbs and i am very satisfied with them good bulb life to bulbs last about a year then i change them Link to comment
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