bare ballast for AB 250w 10K ???

Bgywrinkle · 08-02-2003, 01:39 PM

I'm going to convert my PC lighting to MH and PC. Plan on using 2 250w 10000K AB SE bulbs. I know DE is the state of the art, but I don't want to deal with the necessary shields and I already have the sockets.

My questions are: What Advanced (or other brand) Ballast is being used with these bulbs? Is everyone using an HQI (M80) ballast or a lower form? Is there a bare electronic ballast that works for these lamps?
Does anyone know ARO's website or the name of the Company that makes ARO?

I have searched both Advanced and Magnatec(now Universal) for suitable Electronics and have come up dry. Somebody has to be suppling them for the various private lables.

TIA.

Regards,
Don

jsaltzgi · 08-02-2003, 09:53 PM

Sounds like you're planning a DIY upgrade? I have 3 x 250 watt DE bulbs plus VHO over my 75 gallon. I really like the color combo I have now (2 10000K AB and 1 20000K XDE), but I'm going to suggest you consider just using 400 watt SE bulb(s) instead. I like the DE bulbs with the IceCap/ LN ballasts, but because of UV issues (the DE bulbsput out a lot more UV than the SE bulbs, including UVC) you must use a tempered glass or acrylic "shield"- it's probably more to protect you than the corals and fish...

It can be done, but it's just much easier to DIY with SE bulbs. Also, changing SE bulbs is a lot easier than 250 watt DE bulbs- just unscrewing them versus pulling out the ceramic ends- I have broken a couple bulbs during changing (luckily when it was time to throw them out).

I'm not saying don't do it, but just to weigh heavily your skills and amount of interest in the project. You can always post questions here!!! If you want to see how I did mine, I can draw it up or try and get a hold of a digital camera. There are others who have done it, too- Ltspd, for example. He and Ninong answered many of my questions while doing mine. Just do a search on DIY HQI or DE bulbs and you'll find a slew of info!

Decisions, decisions!!!

James

geofloors · 08-03-2003, 10:08 AM

I use ARO and Blueline E-ballasts to run the SE AB 10000K. They work perfectly. The manufacturer on the AROs label is Lumen General Inc.

George

08-02-2003, 01:39 PM	#1
Bgywrinkle Tenant Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Peabody, MA Posts: 65	bare ballast for AB 250w 10K ??? I'm going to convert my PC lighting to MH and PC. Plan on using 2 250w 10000K AB SE bulbs. I know DE is the state of the art, but I don't want to deal with the necessary shields and I already have the sockets. My questions are: What Advanced (or other brand) Ballast is being used with these bulbs? Is everyone using an HQI (M80) ballast or a lower form? Is there a bare electronic ballast that works for these lamps? Does anyone know ARO's website or the name of the Company that makes ARO? I have searched both Advanced and Magnatec(now Universal) for suitable Electronics and have come up dry. Somebody has to be suppling them for the various private lables. TIA. Regards, Don __________________ May you be the kind of person your dog thinks you are.

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08-02-2003, 09:53 PM	#2
jsaltzgi Reef/ SPS Addict Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Columbus,OH,43081 Posts: 144	Sounds like you're planning a DIY upgrade? I have 3 x 250 watt DE bulbs plus VHO over my 75 gallon. I really like the color combo I have now (2 10000K AB and 1 20000K XDE), but I'm going to suggest you consider just using 400 watt SE bulb(s) instead. I like the DE bulbs with the IceCap/ LN ballasts, but because of UV issues (the DE bulbsput out a lot more UV than the SE bulbs, including UVC) you must use a tempered glass or acrylic "shield"- it's probably more to protect you than the corals and fish... It can be done, but it's just much easier to DIY with SE bulbs. Also, changing SE bulbs is a lot easier than 250 watt DE bulbs- just unscrewing them versus pulling out the ceramic ends- I have broken a couple bulbs during changing (luckily when it was time to throw them out). I'm not saying don't do it, but just to weigh heavily your skills and amount of interest in the project. You can always post questions here!!! If you want to see how I did mine, I can draw it up or try and get a hold of a digital camera. There are others who have done it, too- Ltspd, for example. He and Ninong answered many of my questions while doing mine. Just do a search on DIY HQI or DE bulbs and you'll find a slew of info! Decisions, decisions!!! James

08-03-2003, 10:08 AM	#3
geofloors Just Moved In Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 23	I use ARO and Blueline E-ballasts to run the SE AB 10000K. They work perfectly. The manufacturer on the AROs label is Lumen General Inc. George

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