MH ballast
 

ballast+capicitor + mogul 80 bucks after tax (NIB)
Woo Hooo!!

I love DIY!

msg me if you want info on where to get them.

Re: MH ballast
 

what kinda ballast? seeing as there is no igniter I am assuming a normal m58 which means you paid about 30 bucks to much as you can get the ballast for 40.00 with a capacitor and a mogul socket is only 10.00 with bracket.

but did you get a case also? you need to describe your DIY better or post a pic so we can see.

Steve

Re: MH ballast
 

aren't you quick to rag on him :P (i noticed the lack of ignitor too and went "tsk tsk tsk")

why you gotta be like that....when i'm trying to be like this?
It's an M57.
Your right, ignitor is not included, wiring diagram did not indicate i needed one. (just shows power, cap, lamp and back).

is one necessary?

regardless... still cheaper than buying built.

Re: MH ballast
 

$40? cheapest one i found was $60 before gst.....

i'm not using an ignitor.... IIRC ignitor is just to use a switch, somebody correct me if i'm wrong..

did some inquiring on another board and apparently because the m57 is a probe start, i won't need an ignitor.
(m57 bulbs typically have the ignitor built in)

now if it was a pulse ballast, then yeah i'd need an ignitor.

so :P

Also to help anyone reading this thread:
http://members.fortunecity.com/paulerik/id33.htm

pulse > probe

pulse starts are easier on the bulbs and offer greater lifespans on the bulbs because of it. They also help with firing higher kelvin rated bulbs: 14000k.

however, I have a probe start 175w and have no quirks with it, other than it doesn't like 20000k bulbs. (only on a 25gal so whipdee) I have m80 (250w hqi) on my main tank :D