what can i use with 175 ballast

[hhibrownsb]

I have MH 175 ballasts and need some info on what bulbs will work with them. Can I use 150 watt bulbs and what would be the results, and can I use 250 watt bulbs and what are the results. Someone told me I could use the 150s with no problem but that i couldnt use the 250s, is that correct. Im trying to go over all my options before I do or purchase anything else.

 

[unleashed]

you can only use 175 MH bulbs with those ballest using differnt wattage with the ballest can result in the bulbs exploding.you also need to contact the manufacturer of your ballest to be sure if they can be used with SE or HQI bulbs not all of them work on all types.

 

[hhibrownsb]

Ok, It came with 175 HQI bulbs so I know it works with them. Why do only Odyssea make a 175 HQI. I went thru hell trying to find bulbs for it today and the ones it came with are 20000k(quite blue). I have found replacement 10000 and 20000 today. But I was thinking of trying 15000 (somewhere in the middle). I cant find them and Im pretty sure I wont. As I was on at least 25 sites before I found the 10000s and 20000s. that is why I was considering the change. But if I cant change the wattage I guess Ill just stick with the 20000 as the 10000 are entirely to bright from what Ive seen in the past. Thanks for the input

 

[unleashed]

i have always used 10 k bulbs but desided i wanted to try 20k and i like them much better the veiw in the tank seams to be much crisper that the ovewhelming wite to yellow hugh the 10ks give

 

[mikeyjer]

Another thing you have to remember, depending on the ballast and the bulb, some bulbs are pulse start and some aren't. If you don't use the correct ballast to fire it up, it won't work. Always use the recommanded ballast with the bulb. I like how the 20k looks!!! I run 175w SE MH 14k Aqualite bulbs right now supplement with 110w VHO Super Actinics. I'm gonna be running 250w SE MH XM-20k bulbs with my new tank, can't wait to fire it up. Just waiting for my custom made canopy to get here, it should be here tomorrow or Thursday. :happyfish