well here is another tidbit.. a quote from the article I was talking about.
"Although the data is not statistically analyzable, a few points of observation can be made. The variation among the 2 new lamps was almost 20%, and variation between the used lamps was about 15%. The pulse start ballasts do not significantly impact the output of the lamps. But, the used lamps had PPFD values within the range of the new lamps tested. This could potentially imply that the Pulse Start Ballast is less severe on the lamp and has increased the lamp life. This would be very significant for the reef aquarist since it would increase the length of time the lamps could be used, and merits further study."
now this is on bulbs that have had starters added also. if you look at the AB 250's I have (german bulbs, along with BLV and Ushio) they have had a starter added but the design of the bulb is still bassed off of the European standard. so to run to design they need a lower voltage and a higher curent.. ended up witht he same power consumption though.
Take a look at Brad's lights for instance.. they ran fine for ever on his ballasts.. but on the son agro (which is a repensation of the european counterpart, well closer than the ones he was using anyways) he got a 38% jump in PAR output and even whiter color.. I am not saying that a normaly ballast won't work.. just that another may work better. and that it looks like there is benifits in using a pluse start over a normal ballast in terms of bulb life and color shift.
JMHO
Steve
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 *everything said above is just my opinion, and may or may not reflect the views of this BBS, its Operators, and its Members. If cornered on any “opinion” I post I will totally deny having ever said this in a Court of Law…Unless I am the right one*
Some strive to be perfect.... I just strive.
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