MH upgrade help needed

[WaterDogs]

I have MH/PC hood running 2 175watt MH bulbs and 2 96watt PCs with a fan at each end. The sockets are Mogul, the ballast is what is called a tar or basic unit, I want to upgrade the bulbs to 250 watt do I need new sockets and a 250watt ballast or is it not that simple? And any opinions on components and brands?

Thanks,

 

[reedman]

The sockets are fine. You will need 250W ballasts and bulbs though. After that...yes..it it that simple.

Things to consider:

how much space do you have (electonic ballasts are smaller)

is heat a concern (electronic put off less heat)

is long term electrical cost more important than upfront savings (electronic are more expensive, but are said to be more efficient in the long term resulting in energy savings).

what bulbs do you plan to run (some bulbs will only fire off a conventional ballast)

 

[WaterDogs]

how much space do you have (electonic ballasts are smaller)

is heat a concern (electronic put off less heat)

is long term electrical cost more important than upfront savings (electronic are more expensive, but are said to be more efficient in the long term resulting in energy savings).

what bulbs do you plan to run (some bulbs will only fire off a conventional ballast)

1) Less space and heat is better for me, but not a big issue.

2) It's a hobby so some costs are looked over.

3) The bulbs would be 10K Hamilton like I have now. What needs to be matched up with the bulbs and firing? Can one type of ballest handle any bulb?

Thanks!

 

[clownnrnd]

I'd go w/ the electronic ballasts. You can run any kind of bulb out there. And you can also run DE (HQI) bulbs as well as the SE(mogul socket) type bulbs. You will have to check if all electronic ballasts do that but I know the new Coralvue ballasts will run both.Here's a link for a good explanation on different types of ballasts http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=201570
Hope this helps,

 

[flip_3_6_0]

just a suggestion but i run a 250watt aqualine buske (sp?) 10k and it has great color looks,more like a 13k. anyways im very happy with the bulb and like the color more than the ushios i see most people running but i dont knowhow they compare to the Hamiltons..just something to look into.

 

[Ritsuko Nashida]

Actualy after a couple of years you can start to come out a head in electricity savings versus initial cost. The fact that you can run just about any bulb is an added plus.

 

[reedman]

Looks like your getting the advice you wanted now! I would second the AB 10K bulbs. They really look great if you like that crisp white color.