Ballasts

zxcv123 · 11-29-2006, 06:14 PM

Whats the difference between mechanical, electronic, and magnetic ballasts? which ones are better?

So the MH plugs into the balast which plugs into the timer?

110galreef · 11-29-2006, 06:18 PM

Never heard of mechanical......basically electric runs cooler and usually uses less power, but cost more to buy, supposedly extend bulb life????.

Magnetic usually use more power, run hotter but often drive a bulb brighter/better???
Plus they are cheaper.

110galreef · 11-29-2006, 06:19 PM

Basically you have the bulb that threads into a socket if SE.....there is wires running from the socket to the ballast of which the ballast is connected to an outlet or timer.

Many kits come w/ quick disconnects for the bulb and ballast

Wiskey · 11-29-2006, 06:31 PM

It depends on the bulb, but they will drive the bulb differently, and at different colors.

Check out Sanjay's sight, you can compair your bulb on different ballasts and find out which is best for you.

Whiskey