lighting
 

OK I have 2 400watt radiums on 2 m59 ballasts. I am going to upgrade the ballasts, they will either be a pulse start ballast or the HQI ballast. So my question is is it worth the extra $130 dollars to get the HQI ballast(Intensity wise)? Also if in the future I decide to switch bulbs to say Ushio's(sp.) will both ballasts run that bulb correctly?

Thanx
Trevor

Trevor, the difference in ballasts is slight. Also, the FPO HQI ballasts are just Son Agros in fancy cases. Cost me $89 a piece on Quadra. They will run Ushio 10k, but will shorten the bulb life (on all bulbs)

so do you think I should go with the pulse?

you only need pulse if the M59s won't fire the bulbs. Sounds like your's are fine. I have a radium running on a M59 between 2 on HQI, and I can't tell the difference.

Great thanx Brad, with the ballasts I have now only one of them fires the bulb the other one just won't. So to J and L I will order.

Thanx again
Trevor

Trevor, try ordering one thru Tridon hydroponics. 89 bucks plus about 20 for a box.