Metal Halide ballast info

[Bartman]

Originally Posted by Invigor

you'll need the best reflector you can get for the xm15k

I'm also looking at XM bulbs. Why do you say that?

[Invigor]

xm10k
ballast used: M58
input watts: 315
input volts: 123.5
input amps: 2.8
ppfd(or par): 137
cct(color temp): 12083

xm15k
ballast:M58
input watts:295
input volts: 122.8
input amps:2.82
ppfd: 55.7
cct: n/a

sources:
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005.../document_view
http://advancedaquarist.com/issues/aug2004/review.htm

need I say more.

[Delphinus]

Odds are it's a probe start ballast for the MH. Without an ANSI # the easiest way to tell is count the # of parts. A probe start ballast is transformer and capacitor ("cap-n-coil"), a pulse start ballast is transformer, capacitor and ignitor (looks a little like a capacitor, but likely smaller and slightly different).

[Willow]

you need a decent reflector in there because the par on the 15k bulbs is so low you need ever bit of light you can get into the tank.

[Maverick]

Originally Posted by Willow

you need a decent reflector in there because the par on the 15k bulbs is so low you need ever bit of light you can get into the tank.

Can a person buy a retrofit reflector for this unit , or do they have to make one ?

Brent

[Willow]

Originally Posted by Maverick

Can a person buy a retrofit reflector for this unit , or do they have to make one ?

Brent

i dunno, i have that hood and need to make some reflectors for it as well. i think i might get some hammertone and try that.

j&l must be changing their minds, i asked them about bringing in iwaskai 14k 175's and they told me to try de xm 250 watt 20k's