Giesemann Fixture - Tridonic Ballasts

mike31154 · #1 04-21-2009, 03:24 PM

I believe your assumption is correct. Any 250W ballast (electronic or tar), not to mention a dual is going to be much larger than that unit you have currently. Unlikely that it will fit into the fixture and even if it did, would certrainly generate additional heat which the fixture may not be rated for. External ballast(s) looks like the best option.

es355lucille · #2 04-21-2009, 03:36 PM

Hey Mike. Thanks.......I am looking at the icecap external ballasts.....but I would have to buy two of these. I was sure I seen an external 250 MH dual ballast somewhere...not that they would be cheaper, just one unit would be nicer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike31154

I believe your assumption is correct. Any 250W ballast (electronic or tar), not to mention a dual is going to be much larger than that unit you have currently. Unlikely that it will fit into the fixture and even if it did, would certrainly generate additional heat which the fixture may not be rated for. External ballast(s) looks like the best option.

lastlight · #3 04-21-2009, 03:46 PM

Try the Galaxy ballast.

http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s...ID=SL-MHBW2507

mike31154 · #4 04-21-2009, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by es355lucille

Hey Mike. Thanks.......I am looking at the icecap external ballasts.....but I would have to buy two of these. I was sure I seen an external 250 MH dual ballast somewhere...not that they would be cheaper, just one unit would be nicer.

I haven't seen many duals that are separately controllable, so when you plug it in, both bulbs will fire. While some of the dual ballasts have a switch for each circuit, they typically only have one mains cord so if you wish to use a timer, your options are limited. With separate ballasts, you have the option of putting each on its own timer, with the disadvantage of more bulk.

Binare · #5 04-21-2009, 03:44 PM

Ill admit those guys over there at commercial lighting aren't the sharpest tools in the shed, my account manager is getting me a price on ordering them in for ya. Don't bother with the reactor type (cap and core) style, I checked for electronics. Only way I'd consider going reactor is if running a digital timer or a controller and longevity and cost is a major issue. Digital timers and controllers can depending on the manufacturer leak current through the id, this will reduce the ballast and bulb life. An electronic ballast will increase life over the bulb by balancing strike and maintain voltages with less differential then reactors. In your case bulbs will cost you more then these (hopefully!) Ballasts... So makes more sense to have longer bulb life then ballast life.
Ill let you know how much and how long when she calls me back.

es355lucille · #6 04-21-2009, 04:03 PM

Thanks Binare! So I take it that you are an electrican by trade?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Binare

Ill admit those guys over there at commercial lighting aren't the sharpest tools in the shed, my account manager is getting me a price on ordering them in for ya. Don't bother with the reactor type (cap and core) style, I checked for electronics. Only way I'd consider going reactor is if running a digital timer or a controller and longevity and cost is a major issue. Digital timers and controllers can depending on the manufacturer leak current through the id, this will reduce the ballast and bulb life. An electronic ballast will increase life over the bulb by balancing strike and maintain voltages with less differential then reactors. In your case bulbs will cost you more then these (hopefully!) Ballasts... So makes more sense to have longer bulb life then ballast life.
Ill let you know how much and how long when she calls me back.

Binare · #7 04-21-2009, 05:12 PM

Yes yes I am

always willing to help out in that department.

Quote:

Originally Posted by es355lucille

Thanks Binare! So I take it that you are an electrican by trade?

Binare · #8 04-21-2009, 05:30 PM

Galaxy ballasts are waaaay over rated. They are cap and coil (reactor). For the price, I'd look at lumateks, a 250W electronic ballast incased with leads should cost about 150CAD, And they weigh a hell of a lot less so shipping would save ya even further. I'm sure they got a site, try http://lumatek.ca maybe.

lastlight · #9 04-21-2009, 05:57 PM

Yeah I have no experience with them. Only serving up a link in the hope of being useful...

es355lucille · #10 04-21-2009, 07:25 PM

If you don't have an luck finding a ballast, this is the way I should go.....a lot cheaper than the Ice Caps I was looking at. And with two ballasts I can control separately.....which would be a good thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Binare

Galaxy ballasts are waaaay over rated. They are cap and coil (reactor). For the price, I'd look at lumateks, a 250W electronic ballast incased with leads should cost about 150CAD, And they weigh a hell of a lot less so shipping would save ya even further. I'm sure they got a site, try http://lumatek.ca maybe.