thejeweler
Member
Can I use a matal halide system from home depot, and use a reef bulb? Or is that a silly question. The reason I ask is the price is so much fifferent.thank you.
Metal Halide?
- Thread starter thejeweler
- Start date
fender
Active Member
Probably yes you can. What system are you looking at? Just the brand name not a link from HD to keep things legit with SWF. Most of these are just a magnetic ballast - a core and coil setup consiting of a transformer and capacitor. Most mogul bulbs work with these no problem. I had an issue with Coralvue bulbs back in the day but I think they are now ok.
I am using an industrial magnetic ballast over my tank that was used in warehouse lighting at one time. It fires my 400w XM 20K bulb quite nicely.
I am using an industrial magnetic ballast over my tank that was used in warehouse lighting at one time. It fires my 400w XM 20K bulb quite nicely.
ratrod
Member
Thats a real good question. I run six MH two 400w and four 250w and have never had a problem using warehouse light ballast. Double ended MH are different though as well as VHO flourecent tubes. I ran VHOs for years with warehouse ballasts and it does work, but the bulbs do not last as well as they should. Just make sure if your using a 400w MH bulb that your using a 400w ballast. I have a fan that blows on the ballasts as they kick on
reefkprz
Active Member
as long as the ballasts are rated for the bulb you use yes you can, the thing to keep in mind is the lenses are designed to filter out blue/UVB light so you have to remove the protective lens, therefore exposing your bulb to the elements. something to be real cautious about. if you break it all down strip out the parts you need and build a custom hood no problem. as mentioned above you need to intiiate a cooling mechanism to help with the heat.