Overdriving Halide Bulb

Bonsai · 10-03-2002, 03:12 PM

Hi all,

I'm a newbie to TRT.

I have a 175W PFO driving a Hamilton Sunburst 12K bulb. The colors look great but have noticed that some colors on the SPS are fading. The SPS had come from Rick O's tank & they looked fabulous. He runs 65K Iwasaki bulbs with actinics & I want to use the Iwasaki bulb but I only see one for 150W & 250W. I have thought about using the 150W but did not know how it would behave being run by a 175W PFO ballast. Unless any of you know of a 175W 65k bulb, preferably Iwasaki since Rick has had great success with the corals in his tank.

Thanks,
Sam

Doug1 · 10-03-2002, 03:19 PM

As far as I know, Iwasaki doesn't offer that bulb in a 175w

Since MH are watt/ballast specific, unlike typical incandescent lights trying to run a 150 on a 175 ballast will probably result in premature bulb failure at the very least, and possible bulb rupture or electrical malfunction

Junkzoo · 10-03-2002, 03:47 PM

as far as i know,,,,bulbs and ballast gotta be matched for each other,,,,

Mnemic · 10-03-2002, 03:56 PM

No Overclocking MH Bulbs eh?

-Paul

Rick O · 10-03-2002, 09:37 PM

Hi Sam.

...to The Reef Tank.

If your lights are fairly new why not see if you can exchange the ballast.

Bonsai · 10-03-2002, 10:06 PM

Just wanted to thank everyone for the feedback.

I understand, do not overdrive Halides unless you wish to produce a plasma/core breach....OK I watch to much Sci-Fi.

I was able to make it to Dan Riddles presentation and he discusssed Lighting/intensity & the must important Water Movement...GOOD Stuff!!!

I think I will change just my bulb to a 175W 10K Ushio (sp?). Dana indicated the Actinics are more to please the human eye then it is for the Coral's benifit. I also still have my PC Ice Cap ballast & fixtures so If I need some actinic or even some more 10K light I can use them (trying to recycle good equipment).

Rick, I got the lights from Doug & he has indicated that he may have a buyer for the 175W ballast. Then I only have to pay the difference up to the 250W which means I can go for the 65K Iwasaki, which by the way Dana spoke very highly of.

Thanks again all !

Sam