probe, pulse, electronic, magnetic ballasts?

[VPersons]

I'm new to this and was wondering if anyone could explain what these terms mean and how I know what it is I have? Also, is this important and does it make a difference when purchasing MH bulbs? I need to purchase a new bulb for my 175w ballast. I bought the system used so I'm not sure exactly what I have. This is what it says on the ballast boxes : on the 175 there is no name brand but it says model: AF175WS MH S. On the duel 250 the name brand is Pro Lighting Inc. Thanks for any help. Also, the bulbs on the duel 250 are 14k and the one I need to replace on the 175 is a 10k. Do you think it would look better if I replaced the 175 with a 14k instead of the 10k?

[VPersons]

My eyesight is failing. The name on the duel 250 is PFO Lighting Inc. , not Pro Lighting Inc.

[VPersons]

I was hoping someone could help me with understanding these terms. Thanks for any help.

[pvtschultz]

There is a thread stickied at the begining of this forum that goes through the whole MH system. The link is here. (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=624185)

Probe and Pulse are starting methods for lighting off a MH lamp, US lights are mainly probe start (M57, M58, and M59 magnetic ballasts for 175W, 250W, and 400W IIRC). I'm not really sure about all the other finer points but some good time reading the aforementioned link should get you on the right track. Google is always another reliable source on technical info.