difference in ballasts

[norcalreef]

I bought a Hamilton Tech halide/VHO combo about a year and a half ago. It came with 175 watt bulbs.
How can I tell the difference between an electronic ballest versus a magnetic? I have taken off the ballest cover off but dont know what to look for.
I am wondering because I would like to upgrage to 250w, but I heard you cannot just do that on a magnetic ballest.
Thanks

 

[reefnut]

A 175w ballast will not run a 250w magnetic or elctronic. The ballast sould have a Ansi number that would tell you what type of ballast it is.

 

[aarone]

magnetics are usually gigantic and very heavy