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Unread 05/26/2017, 09:00 AM   #1176
jda
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Do you have a kill-a-watt where you can measure wall wattage with one versus two? This could prove the above, which I also think is accurate.


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Unread 05/26/2017, 09:20 AM   #1177
midnightmadman
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Quote:
Originally Posted by karimwassef View Post
It can probably drive one bulb at a higher voltage/power than when running two. Use a dedicated ballast for each.
I know what your saying. But isn't there actually two ballast in the box? Is it because it is firing them both up at the same time? Or would that make no difference?


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Unread 05/26/2017, 09:29 AM   #1178
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jda View Post
Do you have a kill-a-watt where you can measure wall wattage with one versus two? This could prove the above, which I also think is accurate.
I don't have that. I have a multi meter..but not sure how to use it correctly


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Unread 05/26/2017, 11:16 AM   #1179
karimwassef
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Quote:
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I know what your saying. But isn't there actually two ballast in the box? Is it because it is firing them both up at the same time? Or would that make no difference?
Most likely there aren't two ballasts.

While I haven't taken them apart, I have done that with other power supplies and ballasts. Duals are usually based on a single powertrain with multiple secondary turns off the main transformer. While that means that the secondary circuitry is dedicated to each output, the primary circuit is common.

When you use it in dual mode, you're pushing the primary to its combined peak output. Unless they oversized the primary side to truly accomodate double the power, running in dual mode will generate less output per output.


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Unread 05/26/2017, 12:37 PM   #1180
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Quote:
Originally Posted by karimwassef View Post
Most likely there aren't two ballasts.

While I haven't taken them apart, I have done that with other power supplies and ballasts. Duals are usually based on a single powertrain with multiple secondary turns off the main transformer. While that means that the secondary circuitry is dedicated to each output, the primary circuit is common.

When you use it in dual mode, you're pushing the primary to its combined peak output. Unless they oversized the primary side to truly accomodate double the power, running in dual mode will generate less output per output.
OH. I get it. I guess I was thinking of the old magnetic style


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Unread 05/26/2017, 02:12 PM   #1181
karimwassef
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Less output per output ... I need a nap. Language skills diminishing


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Unread 05/26/2017, 02:30 PM   #1182
midnightmadman
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Quote:
Originally Posted by karimwassef View Post
Less output per output ... I need a nap. Language skills diminishing
So an electronic MH ballast splits the power equally electronically while a Magnetic is just a single "shot" of electric coming out per bulb... correct? Now I know why people sometimes say the old magnetic ballasts can drive the bulbs better


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Unread 05/26/2017, 04:42 PM   #1183
karimwassef
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no no.. duals split the power while dedicated provide consistent output.

Dedicated electronic ballasts are superior to the magnetic ballasts. They're more efficient, run cooler and can maintain the voltage better, even with line variances.

I would not advocate for magnetic ballasts. IMO, they overdrive the bulbs and make them burn out faster. They also generate more heat to the immediate area.


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Unread 05/26/2017, 08:50 PM   #1184
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Hmm
So your saying even a magnetic dual ballast is splitting the power ? Years ago I had a dual magnetic and from what I remember there were two ballasts in the aluminum box


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Unread 05/26/2017, 10:51 PM   #1185
karimwassef
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I don't know how the magnetic dual ballasts are designed. They could be split or combined.

Here's what I'm saying (to be clear) - IME

Electronic is better than magnetic.
Dedicated single ballasts are better than duals.


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Unread 05/27/2017, 06:19 AM   #1186
midnightmadman
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Thank
I learned something that I didn't know
So now I may look for a second 175 ballast


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Unread 05/27/2017, 08:27 AM   #1187
jda
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The only that I have ever owned - PFO dual M80 - were two separate ballasts in a single box.

Electronic is not always better than magnetic. If they bulbs are designed for Magnetic, especially HQI and Radiums, then they run better off of Magnetic ballasts. Some 10K bulbs will do significantly better off of M58. Some don't care. It matters.


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Unread 08/18/2017, 06:10 AM   #1188
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jda View Post
The only that I have ever owned - PFO dual M80 - were two separate ballasts in a single box.

Electronic is not always better than magnetic. If they bulbs are designed for Magnetic, especially HQI and Radiums, then they run better off of Magnetic ballasts. Some 10K bulbs will do significantly better off of M58. Some don't care. It matters.
I'm setting up a new system with old equiptment right now. I have a PFO duel 250 (it has 2 transformers in one big box). for SPS, could you give me any SE lamp reccomendations?


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Unread 08/18/2017, 07:56 AM   #1189
jda
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20K Radium. It is made to be driven on those ballasts. All other bulbs will be overdriven, but some do OK and some will cut the life substantially.


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Unread 08/28/2017, 03:02 PM   #1190
doonan75
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I have two questions. Question 1 can a Galaxy electronic ballast for a DE bulb? It outputs 4 amps so I think it can but I haven't been able to find a firm answer. Question 2 on the ballast itself it states don't unplug the lamp cords while it is plugged in. It is a dual 250 ballast and it is going over a 40 breeder so I only need the one lamp if I protect the other female socket that is not in use with some sort of insulating cover would that be okay?

Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk


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Unread 11/25/2017, 12:55 PM   #1191
xlzerolx
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Cabo sun Mini

Hello,
Does anyone have par distribution plots for the cabo sun mini or know what the spread is like.
From the BRS video on metal halides, the cabo sun the spread is almost perfectly even at 18" depth.

Just wondering if the Cabo Sun mini is the same except with a less spread, which will be fine since the normal cabo sun can light very wide tanks by the looks of the BRS video.

I am wanting to light a 24x24x12 frag tank.


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Unread 11/25/2017, 05:00 PM   #1192
Syntax1325
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I just purchased three of the Reef Brite MH/XHO Se pendants and ballasts from BRS , 250 watt. I ordered three of their twin arc 14k bulbs as well. Any general thoughts on this? I was debating 14k vs 20k twin arcs... I thought the 20k might be too blue.

I'm pretty darn excited.... very glad to move on from led and to see the real long shimmer of halides.


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Unread 12/06/2017, 05:55 PM   #1193
Bronx19
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Would a Giesemann Infinity 2x150w, 4x54w be enough for a 4x2x2 SPS tank?


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Unread 12/06/2017, 05:57 PM   #1194
jda
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Yes. Bulbs are a bit limited in 150W double ended, but the best-of-breed 14K Phoenix are hard to beat and mostly people like them.


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Unread 12/11/2017, 01:04 PM   #1195
greengeco82
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Current Tank Info: 190 gallon DSA mixed reef, 2 X 250W metal halides, 2 X 80w T5's, SRO 3000 skimmer, and a few other goodies under the hood

Last edited by greengeco82; 12/11/2017 at 01:11 PM. Reason: deleted
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Unread 12/18/2017, 02:57 PM   #1196
biecacka
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Question, I am currently running a single 400 10k bulb on my tank. I am thinking of switching to two 250 watt bulbs just for a little more spread. What is an ideal height for he bulb to be off the water line? Or should I measure from the bottom of the reflector? My 400 bulb is 15 inches off the water line on a 24 inch tank. I figure I can lower the 250s to still get plenty of punch in the tank. However I'm curious as to a good mounting height because I am going to build a light rack that rests on my tank top. That's why I am curious on bulb distance off the water. The tank has an internal overflow and a eurobrace so the water is about 2 inches from the tanks eurobrace.

Thanks for the insight.

Corey


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Unread 12/18/2017, 03:46 PM   #1197
karimwassef
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I set mine to get to 1900 PAR maximum.


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Unread 12/18/2017, 07:22 PM   #1198
biecacka
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Yours are outside, correct?
Or is that only with your halides?

Corey


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Unread 12/18/2017, 10:50 PM   #1199
karimwassef
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MH was at 1900 peak x 19 hours.
Sunlight I'm at 1600 x 6 hours, but uniform.


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Unread 12/19/2017, 09:17 AM   #1200
biecacka
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What size halide do you have giving you 1900 par?

Corey


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