Would this ballast work with a marine bulb?

mark · #1 02-18-2009, 09:46 PM

Have a old Allanson Ballast (cat # RM-175-B-1, Type N4093-B) with a EYE Multi-Metal MF175X/U (coated) bulb. As ballast isn't listed on Allanson website, I have a query into them but haven't heard back on ballast type.

As the MF175X/U shows as a ANSI M57, would I be okay just to go with a Probe type bulb but in the colour for a marine tank?

mark · #2 02-19-2009, 05:55 PM

mark · #3 02-23-2009, 07:47 PM

Well got a e-mail from Allanson:

Hi Mark, we no longer carry this ballast but I manage to find some specs and I hope this will help

RM-175-B-1 line current amp imput watts open circuit voltage
1.83 210 330

Didn't really answer my question if actually was a M57 ballast and suitable for a Probe type bulb so phoned them, didn't get anything more.

brizzo · #4 02-24-2009, 06:43 AM

You're better to buy a newer, higher efficiency ballast. You're not going to get much bang for your buck, or the light you want with a M57.

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/lighting

Checkout the charts and specs with different bulb and ballast combos. Interesting data for comparison.

But yes, in a nutshell M57 = Probe Start 175w MH, compatible bulb will work.