metal halide standard bulbs

V

vinnyraptor

Guest
do these types of bulbs, the kind that srew in like a normal light bulb require a special lamp to burn? can you use some shop type pendulum fixtures over your live rock tank. or do those bulbs require special fixtures too?
 

bang guy

Moderator
Originally Posted by VinnyRaptor
http:///forum/post/2627464
do these types of bulbs, the kind that srew in like a normal light bulb require a special lamp to burn? can you use some shop type pendulum fixtures over your live rock tank. or do those bulbs require special fixtures too?

They require a ballast that matches the bulb type & wattage.
 

scsinet

Active Member
Are you talking about "Self ballasted" halide lamps or regular halide lamps with a normal (also called Medium) base?
They are hard to find, but there are self ballasted halides that will run in a normal socket with no additional equipment necessary.... HOWEVER, I'm aware of any manufacturers that produce self ballasted lamps that produce light in the proper temperatures for aquariums. Every self ballasted lamp I've seen is for industrial applications such as warehouse or commercial space lighting, and produce light in the <5000K range.
Ordinary halides with a medium base still require a ballast as Bang Guy said.
By pendulum fixtures... what do you mean? Are you talking about warehouse high-bays?
 
V

vinnyraptor

Guest
i was talking about those hanging or clip on dome shaped light fixtures, the shiny aluminum ones.
 
V

vinnyraptor

Guest
i guess, how much for one of those, can i buy at a diy store?
 

scsinet

Active Member
Home improvement stores don't carry them, but there are places where you can get them that will ship them. The two places that come immediatley to mind are Northern Tool & Equipment and Global Industrial.
That said... you may be able to score a couple for free (or a six pack) if you do a little homework.
Check with commercial electricians. Commerical tentants are always moving into buildings and converting warehouse to office. That usually yields a number of these fixtures. Electricians usually haul them off and sell them as scrap, so all you need to do is trump what they get in scrap.. which is probably no more than a few bucks, or a six pack.
Now... be careful here. These fixtures in buildings usually run off 277 or 480 volts, neither of which you can get in a residence. Many fixtures are designed to run off of the specific voltage, but many others have multiple voltages that can be selected ... usually 120, 208, 230, 277, and 480. These are the ones you can use.
To sound like you can walk the walk, when you talk to them, what you ask for is "400W Halide High Bays either 120 volt or multi-tap." They'll know exactly what you are talking about.
 

mojo46825

Member
Lol I just threw out about 20 of these. They were all 3 phase 480 though. with 400 watt bulbs. Man they ran hot.
 

wattsupdoc

Active Member
Originally Posted by mojo46825
http:///forum/post/2628669
Lol I just threw out about 20 of these. They were all 3 phase 480 though. with 400 watt bulbs. Man they ran hot.
Exactly how does a 3 phase ballast fire a lamp with only 2 poles?

A new high bay will run you as much as a retro kit would. Plus you get an aquarium specific bulb with them. You'll need to purchase the bulb additionally with the high bays.
 

scsinet

Active Member
Originally Posted by wattsupdoc
http:///forum/post/2629298
Exactly how does a 3 phase ballast fire a lamp with only 2 poles?

I was wondeirng the same thing....
He probably just meant the building had 3 phase power, but obviously the lights don't.
 
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