Lights and Ballasts

[jhampton_wsu]

I have this light 2 x 150 watts. I would like to upgrade to 2 x 250 watts eventually. Are most ballasts compatable with most lights or do I have to get ballasts from this company. Can I just buy 2 250 watt ballasts and 2 250 watt bulbs and use this fixture?

I didn't buy it here but this is what I have.

http://www.aloha-aquariums.com/servlet/the-202/Coralife-Aqualight-Fixture-Advanced/Detail

Any and all thoughts are welcome.

Jason

 

[pufferdady]

I don't know if you can do that but, what I do know is that I have the 150 & the 250 fixture (same one except they have actinics). The plug that goes from the hood to the ballast on the 250 is different from the 150. So, if it is possible you would have to change the plugs.

 

[kreidler]

if your replacing the ballasts it will work

 

[returnofsid]

If I'm not mistaken, the bulbs in your fixture are double ended. Aren't DE250 bulbs longer than DE150 bulbs? I think changing over will require more than just a ballast and bulb change. I don't think 250s would even fit in the 150 end caps.

 

[DonW]

If I'm not mistaken, the bulbs in your fixture are double ended. Aren't DE250 bulbs longer than DE150 bulbs? I think changing over will require more than just a ballast and bulb change. I don't think 250s would even fit in the 150 end caps.

Yup you will have to spread out the end connections for the bulbs. You also need to make sure they used heavy enough wiring for the 200w jump.

Don

 

[jhampton_wsu]

Thanks. I didn't know the bulbs were longer, it makes sense though. As far as the ballasts go can I just swap out the cords that connect the ballast to the light? Where would I buy these kind of cords?

 

[DonW]

Cord ends vary by ballast manufactuer.

Don

 

[trido]

DE 150 bulbs have a completely different socket than the 250s. They are not compatible. It will not work unless you change the ceramic ends inside the fixture. IMO, you'd be better off buying a new fixture. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
I eventually switched to SE fixtures because they are more universal than DE as well as more variety in bulbs..