Switching Ballast Question

[superhero]

So i was looking to get new bulbs and got intrested in the IceCap 250 watt electronic ballast... Now the current Lighting i have is the coralife aqualight pro with 3 150 watt MH and 4 96 watt actinics... I dunno how good the ballasts that came with the lighting fixture are to begin with and do not know if they are magnetic or electronic but from what i have been reading you should go electronic... Now if i was to switch over the the IceCap 250 watt electronic ballasts what exactly would i need along with the new ballasts and the new 250 watt bulbs? Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[superhero]

bump

 

[sir mixxalot]

why dont you get some 660 ballasts?

 

[superhero]

i might i just know i want to go with icecaps but am still not sure if i am going to need anything other than the ballast to switch... will it match my current coralife ballast or do i need to get an adapter or something? i have no idea at all

 

[oceana]

if you are talking about simply getting a new ballast to replace the one you have then no you do not need anything else.
just wire the new ballast in the place of the old. i must match the bulbs. you cant put a 250 ballast on 150 bulbs
BUT
if your talking about getting higher wat bulbs then you will need
new ballast
new bulbs
new bulb sockets
maybe even new reflectors.
the 250 bulbs a a fair amount larger then the 150 bulb and may not fit in your current application.
i need to know a bit more about what you want to do in order to give the proper advise. from what i gathered you simply want to but your 250 ballast on your 150 unit which you CAN NOT do. but you can pull the 150 items out of your current set up and replace then with all 250 items. it will cost more but can be done with ease. let me know what you want you finial result/goal to be and i can walk you through the rest

 

[superhero]

Ok what i want to do is replace everything that i have right now (all rated for 150 watts) with 250 watts (ie 250 watt icecaps and 250 watt bulbs) I current have that coralife 72 inch aqualife pro

 

[sir mixxalot]

go t-5!!! lol

 

[oceana]

Ok then.
You will need new
New bulbs
New bulb sockets/holders (the ones you have may be adjustable, many are)
You will know they are adjustable because there are two mounting screw holes in the base of the holders. The front set is for 250's and the back is for 150's)
New ballast. If you can get two single 250 ballast. A dual ballast is nice but single is nicer because when one goes out you don’t lose all your lights. Cost is only slightly higher and allows for a more flexible system.
You MIGHT need new wire. (it is important to ensure the current wire can handle the extra power.)
Other then that you should not need anything. MANY MANY times the only difference in the 150 and the 250 all in one units like you have is the ballast and bulbs. Sometimes they have an addition of bigger or more fans but for the must part everything else is the same. You can call the MFG and ask the tech dept what if any differences there are in the 150 vs. the 250 other then wattage. if none it will be a straight swap. If there are then you will need to decide if they are important enough to worry about.
When you get into it and find you get stuck on something feel free to give me a shout and I will help you out. I have done a ton of DIY lighting, retros and swaps like you are doing

 

[superhero]

Ok thank you Oceana i am planning on doing this in the next few months when i pull together enough dough so when i do if i hit any bumps i will pm you for help for sure
Thank you
p.s. your new lagoon looks amazing i cant wait to see it full of life!!

 

[superhero]

Originally Posted by Sir Mixxalot
http:///forum/post/3066157
go t-5!!! lol

I am was thinking about it but i think im gonna stick with my halides for this tank then when i set up my 20 long i am pretty sure im gonna go t5's