[scubadude]

Will the combo of a M57 ballast and a 150w HQI bulb work? I know its probably not the most effecient ballast for this bulb but would it work? Perry? anyone?

[traveller7]

Originally Posted by scubadude

Will the combo of a M57 ballast and a 150w HQI bulb work? I know its probably not the most effecient ballast for this bulb but would it work? Perry? anyone?

Good question, but without the ignitor I think there might be a problem, even the M81 CWA version has an ignitor. Not to mention the "input voltage at lamp" difference is pretty extreme between the M81 and M57. Sounds dangerous to me.

fwiw: I run 150's on all of my systems these days with the addition of 4x400 over a 32" deep tank.

Good Luck and be safe.

[scubadude]

Originally Posted by traveller7

Good Luck and be safe.

LOL....Im not gonna try it until I find out :P I have an extra m57 and a 18g Hex I would love to setup and It would be sweet if this ballast would fire a 150 HQI for me

[electric130]

Originally Posted by scubadude

LOL....Im not gonna try it until I find out :P I have an extra m57 and a 18g Hex I would love to setup and It would be sweet if this ballast would fire a 150 HQI for me

like traveller said, it probably won't work since 150's require an ignitor. you can get an M81 ballast for $60 at Carolina Corals