which balast do I need? ordering now....

[chaaban]

Im ordering a lumen max elite, single ended mogul base reflector to go along with a radium 20k 250W and need to know which balast is the one i need?

- Hamilton Metal Halide 250 Watt Assembled Ballast
http://www.fishsupply.com/slhm-bl250.html

or the

-Hamilton Metal Halide 250 Watt Assembled HQI Ballast
http://www.fishsupply.com/slhm-hqb250.html

please let me know as im about to order it now...

[alton]

I would ask them if there HQI ballast would work since they did not associate an ansi number with it? The first one will not work, they list it as a M58 Probe start, you need a pulse start ballast. Personally I would use electronic ballast, but that is me.

[Snprhed]

I like the coralvue selectable ballast. It gives you many options on what you can drive or do.

[Rookieofsalt]

I would go with Sun Supply Galaxy

[mordibv]

^^^^ +1
A Galaxy or Lumatek would be plug n play . No modifications at all .

[aandfsoccr04]

http://www.marinedepot.com/Aqua_Medic_Reeflex_Cube_HQI_Magnetic_Ballast_150_Watt_Magnetic_Metal_Halide_Ballasts-Aqua_Medic_USA-AQ6813-FILTACBAMHHFMB-vi.html

[ksc]

The best ballast would be the HQI M80 ballast you listed.

[tkeracer619]

http://www.fishsupply.com/slhm-hqb250.html is the correct ballast.

This one will also work and is cheaper.
http://www.aquacave.com/250W-Reeflex-Cube-HQI-Ballast-by-Aqua-Medic-P2190C208.aspx

The selectable watt electronic ballasts will also run them but still won't produce the output of the above ballasts. Any electronic ballast will fire them but they won't be optimal.

[jerpa]

Buy the aquamedic cube listed three posts above and rewire it. The proper ballast would be an M80, which the second one you listed is. Electronic would be my second choice.

[tkeracer619]

wow nice price!

[chaaban]

Wow thanks guys, lots of help...much appreciated!

So we are down to two options, whats the difference besides the huge price difference?

http://www.f3images.com/IMD/250/AQ6813/Aqua-Medic-Reeflex-Cube-HQI-Magnetic-Ballast-150W-99.jpg
http://www.marinedepot.com/Aqua_Medic_Reeflex_Cube_HQI_Magnetic_Ballast_150_Watt_Magnetic_Metal_Halide_Ballasts-Aqua_Medic_USA-AQ6813-FILTACBAMHHFMB-vi.html

http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-75495311174416_2231_881206
http://www.fishsupply.com/slhm-hqb250.html

[viggen]

The marine depot ballast is magnetic.... Old technology.... Lots of heat.... Noisy at times.... Good stuff in the 1980's but not today, get a electronic ballast.

[chaaban]

Although true, i also heard from many that the magnetic puts the radium bulb to full use with out under powering it or over powering it, and its perfect for the bulb....thats what I've been told..

[tkeracer619]

I would jump all over that deal on the m80s. If you go with radiums that is the ballast you want. Go with the marine depot link.

[chaaban]

and the difference would likely only be the loudness of the fan? which can probably be easily replaced to a quitter one? If thats the case ill order now...

[rtparty]

The marine depot ballast is magnetic.... Old technology.... Lots of heat.... Noisy at times.... Good stuff in the 1980's but not today, get a electronic ballast.

Do you know anything about radium bulbs? They will not run properly on an electronic ballast. This will reduce PAR and bulb life. The company has stated this many, many times.

A magnetic M80 ballast is the PROPER ballast to use. The Aqua Medic ballast listed above is an amazing ballast and isn't loud at all. I have one with me right now that is going on a 40 breeder. The ballast is noise is nothing.

I also have a select a watt ballast with me. Yes, it is quieter overall but my options for bulbs are more limited. Radiums are out of the question and that is unacceptable for me. Radium is probably the best metal halide bulb ever built IMO. A few decibels of sound should not be THE deciding factor. Whether the bulb is being properly run is THE deciding factor.


Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[chaaban]

Decided!!. Aqua Medic ballast it is! Thanks again for all the help !

[alton]

Do you know anything about radium bulbs? They will not run properly on an electronic ballast. This will reduce PAR and bulb life. The company has stated this many, many times.

A magnetic M80 ballast is the PROPER ballast to use. The Aqua Medic ballast listed above is an amazing ballast and isn't loud at all. I have one with me right now that is going on a 40 breeder. The ballast is noise is nothing.

I also have a select a watt ballast with me. Yes, it is quieter overall but my options for bulbs are more limited. Radiums are out of the question and that is unacceptable for me. Radium is probably the best metal halide bulb ever built IMO. A few decibels of sound should not be THE deciding factor. Whether the bulb is being properly run is THE deciding factor.


Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

How long do you run your radiums before changing them out? And what percentage of PAR have they lost in that amount of time?

[Michigan Mike]

Just a heads up, the reeflex cubes wires aren't comparable with sunlight supply reflectors, you will need to cut the wire ends but its not a big deal.

[Michigan Mike]

How long do you run your radiums before changing them out? And what percentage of PAR have they lost in that amount of time?

1 year
Maybe 25-30% loss.... I think.lol