Are 175W and 250W metal halide bulbs interchangable?

ljuhl · 06-07-2005, 12:53 PM

I gave my brother my Hamilton metal halide lighting system 9 years ago and always thought it was a 250W system. However, when I check the light bulbs last week, they were 175W. Are the 175W and 250W light bulbs interchangable? How do I know for sure which lighting system that he has w/o pulling the ballast out from the tank stand? It is sure crowded in there.

twd4 · 06-07-2005, 12:59 PM

Should not be interchangable. A 175 ballast should not fire a 250 bulb and V/V

ljuhl · 06-07-2005, 01:08 PM

Thanks. So it must be a 175W system. Just like my grand daughter said I am a short old man.

Quote:

Originally Posted by twd4

Should not be interchangable. A 175 ballast should not fire a 250 bulb and V/V

autochek · 06-07-2005, 01:20 PM

I've got 3 250w ballasts that I'm overdriving 3 175w bulbs right now but it definately cuts down on the bulb life. I would not try to run 250's on a 175 ballast.
jmho
Tom

AquaticCo · 06-07-2005, 09:01 PM

Actually I often fire up a 250-watt bulb with a 175 ballast. But I always used a magnetic type ballast. More than likely the same kind you have in your Hamilton. Only way to be sure is to pull the ballst and see what ANSI marks are on it

Doug