Can a mh wattage be backed down?

[pyro383]

Thinking about getting a used lighting system that is a retro that will have 2 96w pc bulbs and 1 400w halide. This summer I had a heat issue with 144w pc setup that also had 2 fans built in, it was a jbj. When I go with this sytem I will have the halide on during the summer for 5 hours at most but the pc's will be on the the 12 hours that I currently run. So now the question, I assume its the wattage that puts out the heat correct? So if the bulb is 400w and the ballast powers the 400, could I just put in a 175w bulb without adverse effects. Total wattage would be 367w. I will make a canopy with fans but the room still heats up to 82 in summer. My tank is kept at 80 but in summer gets to 82 with the lights.

 

[melbournefl]

Nope, sorry but a ballast made to drive a 400 will just burn up a 175 I think. I know the Ice Cap VHO ballasts supposedly underdrive a VHO and overdrive a NO bulb but I don't think the same principle can be used with MH.
Just my opinion and I hope one of the electrical wizards on the board will give a better explaination or correct me if I'm wrong.
Good luck,
Paul

 

[broomer5]

I'm with Paul
No electrical info to support it - but I also think that the MH lamps are designed to be run with an appropriate ballast of the same ( or very close to the same ) wattage as the lamps.
Amps come into play as well I'm sure - it has too.

 

[slick]

I'm with these guys on this one.

 

[pyro383]

ok, thanks, i thought i wouldn't be able to.

 

[sebae0]

i agree also but maybe if you just run a fan blowing up towards the canopy it will help blow the heat away. i did it this summer and dropped my temp by 3 degrees. i got worried it was at 86 and i got it down to 82/83.