lighting

roverT · #1 02-16-2005, 01:04 AM

OK I have 2 400watt radiums on 2 m59 ballasts. I am going to upgrade the ballasts, they will either be a pulse start ballast or the HQI ballast. So my question is is it worth the extra $130 dollars to get the HQI ballast(Intensity wise)? Also if in the future I decide to switch bulbs to say Ushio's(sp.) will both ballasts run that bulb correctly?

Thanx
Trevor

Aquattro · #2 02-16-2005, 01:35 AM

Trevor, the difference in ballasts is slight. Also, the FPO HQI ballasts are just Son Agros in fancy cases. Cost me $89 a piece on Quadra. They will run Ushio 10k, but will shorten the bulb life (on all bulbs)

roverT · #3 02-16-2005, 01:36 AM

so do you think I should go with the pulse?

Aquattro · #4 02-16-2005, 01:38 AM

you only need pulse if the M59s won't fire the bulbs. Sounds like your's are fine. I have a radium running on a M59 between 2 on HQI, and I can't tell the difference.

roverT · #5 02-16-2005, 01:52 AM

Great thanx Brad, with the ballasts I have now only one of them fires the bulb the other one just won't. So to J and L I will order.

Thanx again
Trevor

Aquattro · #6 02-16-2005, 01:55 AM

Trevor, try ordering one thru Tridon hydroponics. 89 bucks plus about 20 for a box.