Commerical MH Ballast Alternatives?
 

Is there an alternative for MH ballasts other than those at aquarium supply sites? I honestly can't see myself putting down hundreds of dollars for a MH ballast without at least some research for alternatives. It doesn't need to look pretty, it just needs to work.

-Richer

Sure, you can use most ballasts available from an electrical shop, hydroponics, etc. Most of the time you're paying for the pretty part. Match the wattage of your bulb to a ballast and price out alternatives. 175w = M57, 250w= M58, M80, 400w=M59, Son Agro. Fulham was supposed to be coming out with MH E ballasts this year also, maybe check their site. I paid $80 ea for my ballasts, and put thm in a $20 case. These are normally sold as the PFO 400w HQI for $379 at J&L.

Sometimes you'll get a bulb that doesn't fire right away, and the vendor will want to know what ballast you are using. Some bulbs work better with ignitors, some are pulse start, etc. Really, the pretty ballasts from the fish store have commercial ballasts inside.

Do you have the url for that site?

I want to run two 175w 10000k bulbs over my 30 gallon... what kind of ballast would you suggest?

The only kind of lighting I've ever had experience with are NO flourescent and PC setups... all of which were bought in pretty packages, so I am pretty much a newbie at this. Though I have no problems wiring or soldering stuff, as long as I get a diagram.

-Richer

Which site?

HI Richmand,

You can get MH ballasts at the lighting store on the West end across the street from the Costo. I unfortunately don't know the address of the top of my head...

You can also try a place called LiteMor also on the west end. They sell workhorse ballasts there as well if you want to hook up VHO or PC bulbs. I'll try to get you the address of that place too...all I remember is it is near AI...

Duh, that site....www.fulham.com :biggrin:

You can also go to Bartle&Gibson 13475-Fort rd 472-2850.They sell
M57 ballast for 62.70(175wt)
M58 74.25(250wt)
M59 75.00(400wt)
They also carry the mogule sockets.I did my own lighting with the m58 and I didn't burn anything down in the process :mrgreen: Keep in mind some of the magnetic ballasts come with a light coat of oil,which when heated up stinks like hell.It goes away in a couple of days.

Perfect, I guess I won't have to sell my car to light my tank now :razz: . Thanks!

-Richer

you'll still need to sell the car, just not for lights. Wait until you price the Tunze streams!!

Does anyone know what "cheap" ballast will fire 2x250 DE bulbs?