ballast question

[zachary]

I just bought another complete setup and I was told it had VHO lighting. The sticker on the ballast is almost illegible. The bulbs, two of which are dead, are also illegible. The only thing I can read on the ballast is M2-40R and that it takes 40W T12 bulbs. Can anyone tell me what those are or where I can find out? Thanks

 

[sonny]

40 watt bulbs are NOT VHO. If it is a 48" system, the lamps would be 110 watts each. If it is a 24" system (the smallest size VHO bulb), those are 75 watts. I think you got taken! If you bought a used system, then you would need to replace the bulbs anyway, as you don't know how old they are. If you think you can use Normal Output flourescents, then you will need some good bulbs with them. I like the URI brand lamps.
Sonny