saltaddict
Member
I understand that you need HQI balast to drive DE HQI bulbs. Do people use these balast to drive regular mogul bulbs? Is so what are the reasons for this? Do the bulbs run brighter? Do they last as long? DOes it use less energy?
Another MH question?
- Thread starter saltaddict
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saltaddict
Member
Cris
Thanks for the information. Perhaps my question was not clear so let me rephrase my self. Is there any advantage to running regular SE Mogul bulbs on HQI ballast? Do you need HQI to drive german bulbs?
Thanks for the information. Perhaps my question was not clear so let me rephrase my self. Is there any advantage to running regular SE Mogul bulbs on HQI ballast? Do you need HQI to drive german bulbs?
golfish
Active Member
Originally posted by saltaddict
I understand that you need HQI balast to drive DE HQI bulbs. Do people use these balast to drive regular mogul bulbs? Is so what are the reasons for this? Do the bulbs run brighter? Do they last as long? DOes it use less energy?
I've used both the 250 watt and 400 watt PFO HQI ballasts, They both will drive most mogul base and DE bulbs. Most bulbs 10K and over will be fine, the 12K Sunburst is a no and the CV bulbs don't work very well either.
The 250 watt HQI is really made to drive the DE bulbs but will work just fine on most of the Euro made bulbs (10K and up) The 400 watt PFO HQI has been used for years to drive only the mogul base bulbs. The 400 watt DE have only been out a month or two. From what I've been reading some will work on the PFO HQI (magnetic) and some wont.
Yes, they do over drive the bulb, it is brighter and puts out more par. They use a little more energy and for the most parts probably don't last as long.
saltaddict
Member
Golfish
Thanks that's the information I was looking for.
Thanks that's the information I was looking for.
golfish
Active Member
Originally posted by saltaddict
Do you need HQI to drive german bulbs?
Not sure I coverd this one...I'm sure you know that just about any of the E ballast and all the standard ballast will drive The Euro bulbs. I have ran the Radium 20K bulb side by side on an e-ballast, standard and HQI. It looks much better on the HQI then the other two ballast. It doesn't last near as long tho. I'd say you can run the Radium 9-10 months on the standard and E ballast..its all but washed out after 6 months on the HQI..
IME, the 10K's are just brighter, not really better looking. I think you'll get more life out of the 10K's on the HQI then you will the 20K's...the color doesn't fadeshift as much on the 10K's.
I think Bang mentioned a Lux meter a few daysweeks ago. Sounds like a good investment to me.