Current USA Outer Orbit Question

[reifermadness]

I have a Current USA lighting system for my 47g reef. The light came with a 150w HQI MH center light. Here is my question, can I upgrade that bulb to a 250w or is it rated for only 150w. I have a deep tank and I want to make sure that I'm getting the lighting to the bottom of the tank as well.

 

[jackri]

I "think" 150 and 250 can be swapped out depending on your ballasts... not positive. But I know you can't swap it out with a 400w.
I have their 48" fixture with 4 - 54w t-5's and 2 - 250w metal halides and love it. Still would think 150w would be enough to get to the bottom of your tank though.

 

[reifermadness]

That makes sense. Thanks for the reply.

 

[culp]

it really depends on what the ballast can do. i have seen ballast than can do either 150 or 175 not i have never seen one than could do 150 or 250.

 

[stanlalee]

no. you'd need a 250w ballast AND a 250w socket as they are different than 150w DE sockets.
I dont know if you can tell from the pic but a 250w is longer and has flat ends that slides into the socket while the 150w has round pin ends that push into the socket and can be turned 360deg in the socket

 

[reifermadness]

Thanks to everyone that wrote back. I wrote to Current USA last night and they actually responded to me today with almost exactly what Stanalee said. Oh well, I guess I'll stick with what I have. I think that the lighting is find for my 47g.
My corals seem to like it anyway

Thanks again to everyone.