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View Full Version : Iwasaki running off MV ballast


humptrax
02/24/2008, 11:43 PM
i currently have a DIY set up following these plans:

http://aquarium.union.rpi.edu/articles/DIY_MH.html

i'm getting tired of the yellow tint of the iwasakis and was wondering what other SE MH bulbs i could fire with the MV ballast. the ballast does fire coralife 10k bulbs but i wanted to go 14k or higher...

anemoneguy
02/25/2008, 07:47 AM
the mv ballasts will damage any other bulbs

humptrax
02/25/2008, 08:52 AM
damage as shorten life span or blow up in my face? :D

anemoneguy
02/25/2008, 02:33 PM
shorten life, affect color etc.., who knows i guess it could blow the bulb as well.

PaulErik
02/25/2008, 05:56 PM
Mercury vapor bulbs are compatible on metal halide ballasts but not the other way around. Metal halide lamps have electrical requirements that are slightly higher and different than mercury vapor. To assure reliable and safe lamp operation you should only use lamps and ballasts that are designed for each other or are deigned to the same electrical specification (ANSI Standard).