Help choosing lights

teresaq1

teresaq1

Member
Has any one used these dual ballests. I am researching lighting for my 150. I would be adding the spiderlight reflectors with mongels. one duel and one single. they also have a kit with everything, but the ballast isnt in a box, how would i mount that???
PFO 400W Pulse Start Dual Ballast*+$25Shipping*
Item Code: YPF1872
Price: $214.95
The picture on the right is the dual ballast
Here is the other i am looking at, just not sure
250 Watt Metal Halide Ballast DIY ( Do It Yourself ) Kit*+$10Shipping*
Item Code: MH250DIY
Price: $129.00
250 Watt MH DIY Kit
includes 250W MH unassembled magnetic ballast, MH 250W 6500K bulb, mogul socket, and mounting bracket
PRICE: $119.00
 
teresaq1

teresaq1

Member
I guess know one has used the dyi ballast kits. How do you put them together?? do you need to buy some kind of box to put the parts in????
 
robchuck

robchuck

Active Member
Comparing the 400W PFO Pulse start ballast to a 250W DIY Probe start ballast is like comparing apples to oranges. At 400W, a pulse start ballast would limit you to only a few bulbs; I would recommend either Probe start or HQI at that wattage. Personally, I run 3x400W PFO probe start ballasts (a dual and a single) and love them!
The PFO ballasts have all the components of the DIY ballast mounted inside a nice box, have cleaner wiring (quick disconnects), but cost a bit more than DIY. You would have to make your own box or use a metal project box for the DIY lights. They are fairly easy to put together with wire nuts by following the wiring diagram on the ballast.
But before you decide on what type of ballast you want to use (DIY or pre-assembled), consider what corals you want to keep and what bulb you want to run. That will help you decide on what wattage to use and what type of ballast to buy (probe, pulse, HQI, or another option, electronic).
 
copeseter

copeseter

Member
Yes you need boxes to put your ballast in . They are not hard to wire but trust me save for Electronic ballasts. Much quieter, cooler and use less electricity and you can use what ever kind of bulb you want. Those kind of ballast limit you on brand and type of bulbs.
 
teresaq1

teresaq1

Member
Would these be better??????
IceCap 250 Watt Metal Halide Retrofit Kit with 12K ALS Bulb and SpiderLight Reflector
Item Code: ICSPK5
Price: $245.99 Reviews
Not rated yet
IceCap System with Spider Light Reflector: ALS 250W 12,000K Setup
ALS 250W 12,000K Setup - These retrofit fixtures include IceCap ballasts, ballast wiring harness, bulb mogul socket & mounting bracket, Spider Light Reflector and bulb.
 
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