light conversion

[jberd]

Hello all and happy Sunday to everyone! My question is I currently have a aqualight 150 watt hqi fixture from coralife and would like to convert it over to a 250 watt, could I just change the ballast and the bulb and be ok?

http://a1272.g.akamai.net/7/1272/112...943_31330P.jpg

[jberd]

The reason I would like to convert is the size is perfect not to mention that it is part of my hood.

[Fat Tony]

i dunno.. there are alot of variables to consider.. wire size from the ballast to the unit, are the sockets rated for that wattage... alot of variables.. not to mention the UL rating will be lost...

[jberd]

I understand the wire size and was planning on changing all the wires but are the sockets different from a 150 to a 250 hqi. I was hoping not so all I had to do was solder on a bigger wire add a 250 ballast and bulb. What do you think?

[Fat Tony]

i dunno... i'd just sell it and buy a 250 if it were me...personally..

[mg]

The endcaps for DE bulbs are different for 150 and 250W. You can pick up endcaps for about $15 normally at a LFS.

[jberd]

would something like these be ok
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.c..._1979_73190709

[jberd]

Oh and this is the brand 250 Watt Stucchi Double Ended HQI Socket

[mg]

Originally Posted by jberd

Oh and this is the brand 250 Watt Stucchi Double Ended HQI Socket

That should work fine.

[Loverotties]

Scokets need changing and maybe the fan too.

[jberd]

Thanks all. Next is the ice-cap ballast ok or is there a better bang for the buck?