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#1
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![]() Just wondering if what makes an M80 ballast an M80 ballast is the wattage outputted? Or is there more to it?
These new electronic ballasts by SLS and Lumatek have HQI dials but does that mean they drive an HQI bulb (like the 250W Radiums I want) to spec (M80) or am I better off with a real M80 ballast? |
#2
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![]() I bought a real one
![]() ![]() I know this doesn't answer your question, just thought I'd share that my plan all along was to use a M80 ballast or HQI if you will, with the Radium. If you don't get the answers your looking for, send a PM to Paul Erik (lighting Guru) Reef Central. |
#4
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![]() Share what you find out on here. I was curious about this too when I saw the lumatek for sale at Progressive Reef.
__________________
"We shall dive down through black abysses... and in that lair of the Deep Ones we shall dwell amidst wonder and glory forever." - H.P. Lovecraft Old 120gal Tank Journal New 225gal Tank Journal May 2010 TOTM The 10th Annual Prince George Reef Tank Tour |
#5
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![]() I highly doubt that the Select-a-Watt ballasts are true M80s.
Firstly, they're marketed as "electronic". An M80 is a magnetic ballast. Secondly, have you ever picked up an M80? It weighs a freakin' ton because of the huge transformer. The listed shipping weight of a Select-a-Watt is 6 lbs - much lighter. That said, I haven't seen any performance numbers, but I strongly suspect that it will behave like any other electronic ballast meaning that you'll draw a true amount of wattage and it will underdrive HQI-spec'd bulbs like the Radium (i.e. lower PAR). Radiums on electronics also tend to appear far more blue than they do while driven by a true M80. |
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