A question for the metal halide, ballast specialists.

[trainfever]

The place where I work is changing all the ceiling lights. They are metal halides, some are 250 watts and some are 400. I took a few of the 250s apart and saw that the only components that make up the ballast are a transformer and a capacitor. I stripped a few of them and brought the components home with the intent on mounting them in a metal box of some kind. My question is, would these work for my aquarium? I figured I might have to change the bulb, but the price for the ballasts is unbeatable, their free. I'm talking about close to a thousand light fixtures. If these would work,let me know if anyone would be interested in any.

 

[zman1]

Sure they would work. Get the M number off them or the manufacturer and number then look them up.. Sound like they drive probe start standard SE bulbs since you didn't list an igniter with them or EYE Iwasaki .
ANSI Codes - Probe
Watts ANSI Code
175 M57
250 M58
400 M59
1000 M47
ANSI Codes - Pulse
Watts ANSI Code
175 M137
250 M138
400 M135
1000 M141
ANSI Codes - HQI
Watts ANSI Code
70 M85
150 M81
250 M80
ANSI Codes - EYE Iwasaki
Watts ANSI Code
250 H37
400 H33

 

[trainfever]

I just checked and the bulb says M58E, if that means anything. I'll check the transformer and capacitor and list any info that may be on them.

 

[zman1]

250W probe start. Look for probe start bulbs of your color choice (the spectrum is most likey 5k or so on them now). M58 the bulb and ballast must match. Great find!

 

[trainfever]

The transformer says:
CW autotransformer ballast
for(1) 250W M58 orH37 lamp
120/208/240/277V 60HZ
2.5/1.44/1.25/1.08A OCV 320
15 MFD 400V CAP (1.43 MEGOHM MAX Rdis)
the number on the capacitor is VC15048ECR
If anyone is interested in one of these to build your own ballast, let me know.

 

[krazekajin]

Originally Posted by trainfever
The transformer says:
CW autotransformer ballast
for(1) 250W M58 orH37 lamp
120/208/240/277V 60HZ
2.5/1.44/1.25/1.08A OCV 320
15 MFD 400V CAP (1.43 MEGOHM MAX Rdis)
the number on the capacitor is VC15048ECR
If anyone is interested in one of these to build your own ballast, let me know.
I might be interested? Price?

 

[fishguy77]

I might be interested too... Price?

 

[trainfever]

How much do you think they are worth? What do you think is a fair price? When I get a chance, I will post a pic of exactly what I am talking about.

 

[zman1]

I'd say $1 - but your time to handle, pack and ship has much larger value. New - the bare ballast, cap and mogul socket are about $70

 

[weatherby]

Originally Posted by trainfever
The transformer says:
CW autotransformer ballast
for(1) 250W M58 orH37 lamp
120/208/240/277V 60HZ
2.5/1.44/1.25/1.08A OCV 320
15 MFD 400V CAP (1.43 MEGOHM MAX Rdis)
the number on the capacitor is VC15048ECR
If anyone is interested in one of these to build your own ballast, let me know.
VERY interested!!

I need 2 x 250s for my 55g, so once you sort out $ and what not... :jumping: :jumping:

 

[trainfever]

Does 25 each plus shipping sound fair? this includes the multitap transformer, the capacitor and the mogul socket, plus some wiring.

 

[weatherby]

Originally Posted by trainfever
Does 25 each plus shipping sound fair? this includes the multitap transformer, the capacitor and the mogul socket, plus some wiring.
Very fair. Could you post some photos? :joy:

 

[zman1]

I'd say fair as well. Make a post in the classified section. If you can get your hands on all of them you could be a busy boy or girl for a while _lol.
I am debating on 2 myself...

 

[trainfever]

Ok, I will try and post pic tomorrow. I'll bring more ballasts home tommorrow. It takes a while to strip out all the components, not to mention how heavy they are. One is not heavy but I've been carrying 4 at a time. LOL

 

[weatherby]

Originally Posted by trainfever
Ok, I will try and post pic tomorrow. I'll bring more ballasts home tommorrow. It takes a while to strip out all the components, not to mention how heavy they are. One is not heavy but I've been carrying 4 at a time. LOL
Speaking of which, any idea on what sort of enclosure would be necessary to house them? I was considering going the Odesseay (sp?) route and use a metal computer case to house/cool the ballasts then run the wiring up to the light itself..
Course, wish I could find an empty light assembly/hood to use too..lol... Either way, $25+s&h is a very fair price indeed!

 

[zman1]

An electrical box from HD or lowes would work. I believe some of the members here have used those before. I have an old siren howler box I will use if I choose to buy two...

 

[weatherby]

Ah, ok. I just liked how the Odesseay ones had fans and such to try and cool the ballasts plus contain them just in case...

:hilarious Heh.

Oh, btw, Train, how much would you want for one of the 400w ones?