250 watt HQI ballast.

[Buccaneer]

Originally Posted by powerboy

the only advantage to using 220v is the amperage drawn is half of what 110v would be. now this doesnt mean less electricity consumed, only less amperage, as 110v is drawn from each leg of the duplex recepticle.

you will have to keep in mind that if you do go this route, you will have to get a dual pole breaker in your panel (or sub panel, depending on application) and run the appropriate wire.

does all this equate to a worthwile venture? depends on how many bulbs (and size) you plan to run.

what you could do, is run a 220v sub panel to your tank area, then wire it up so the lights are on their own 220v breaker(s) and pumps heaters etc are on 110v breaker(s). this will give you the advantage of drawing fewer amps on the lights while utilizing one circut from the main panel.. eliminating trying to find different circuts to equalize the existing load..

may cost you a little bit up front, but you have the safety and convenience of one place to draw power from, and individual breakers to rely on so excessive load does not become a factor

hope this helps...

Thanks for the explanation

Cheers