Metal Halide Ballast

[Ms. Mermaid]

What is the difference between the Electronic Ballast vs the magnetic ballast for Metal Halide’s?

Also I have been seeing some Metal Halide ballast that have different settings on them going from a 150, 175, 250 to 400 or those okay or they bad?

Has anyone ever used either of these type of ballast before and if so what was your experince with them?

 

[revsgirl]

:bump2:

 

[MarineDepot]

The Magnetic Ballasts are said to be more "industrial", but are used less often now. Electronic ballasts have become the standard in our hobby, and are favored as they are said to be more efficient and can fire different types of bulbs.

The multi-wattage ballasts are fine for a reef tank, however you should match the wattage setting of the ballast to the corresponding bulb. It is not recommended to overdrive/under drive a bulb by running it at a different wattage. Also, the wattage of the bulb/ballast combo you use will depend on the size of your aquarium (mostly depth): taller tanks need higher wattage. In general, a metal halide will cover about 24x24" and depth will vary by the bulb: 150 watt is good up to 18-20", 250 watt is good to 20-24", etc.

I hope this information helps.

Chris R.

 

[Ms. Mermaid]

The Magnetic Ballasts are said to be more "industrial", but are used less often now. Electronic ballasts have become the standard in our hobby, and are favored as they are said to be more efficient and can fire different types of bulbs.

The multi-wattage ballasts are fine for a reef tank, however you should match the wattage setting of the ballast to the corresponding bulb. It is not recommended to overdrive/under drive a bulb by running it at a different wattage. Also, the wattage of the bulb/ballast combo you use will depend on the size of your aquarium (mostly depth): taller tanks need higher wattage. In general, a metal halide will cover about 24x24" and depth will vary by the bulb: 150 watt is good up to 18-20", 250 watt is good to 20-24", etc.

I hope this information helps.

Chris R.

Thank you Chris this has helped..... My tank is Aqueon - Megaflow- Reef Ready Tank dimensions are:
72.5" x 18.5" x 23.4".
Not sure if you can answer this question or if there really is a true answer but there are so many different sizes & shapes for reflectors what in your opinion would be the best reflector that won't break the bank for my size tank?
I am wanting to install them into my canopy.