Used MH Ballast que

[Trent]

Have this 400W MH kit. I've been told the lamp won't be enough for corals. Can the lamp be changed to a 10,000k with this ballast or will a whole new unit be needed.
Here are some pics of the placards.

[Trent]

and this..

[afss]

The ballast should be fine. The ballast should be able to light any 400 watt bulb.
The 10 000k is just the color spectrum the gasses etc in the bulb produce when lit.

Scott

[Red-Sea]

Hi Trent, hope you don't mind me asking where did you buy the 400W MH ballast, & how much did it cost you?
Afss, do you know if these ballasts can fire 400W Radiums???
Any help is appriciated...

[ScottM]

Tar ballasts can fire Radiums tho they typically have a more blue appearance than HQI ballasts (which overdrive those particular bulbs). I am running Radiums on tar ballasts and love the colour.

Scott

[afss]

what he said :D

I know that different ballasts will fire in slightly different colors and some ballasts will be less efficient than other ballasts. I am fairly new to halides myself so I am not sure if there is an issue with bulb life one different ballasts also.

Scott

[Trent]

Hey thanks guys.
I did away with the flourescence. Installed the 400W about two feet above the tank. This is a first for me so I'm watching for changes. Like bleaching. I do like the new shimmering effect.
Yes, I have been told that this is too much light for my setup.
Did it anyway. Inhabitant behaviour seems to be the same.
I have seen a light/air hood thing at the hydroponics store. Basically is this: rectangle box; remote ballast; dryer vent hose at either end; glass on the bottom; lamp burns horiz.
Made for hot green houses. Heat is not an issue now but may be in the summer. Can build a custom unit that will enclose actinics, Vho, and MH.


Oh...and for those who don't know, that store plan and the move is cancelled. so if you want to rent an apt./store downtown it's there.