MH Ballast Wattage

[jonnywhatever]

Hi,
Does anyone know if I can use a 250 watt Tar ballast with a 175 watt MH bulb?
Why, you may ask? - long story made short, pendant bought came with a 175 watt 10,000k MH bulb and mistakenly was sent a 250 watt ballast (all custom sea life, its a combo with PC actinics 2x55 in 24inch housing - not sure if all this detail is needed, just thought I give it ). I would like to keep the 250 Watt Ballast so I may upgrade to a 250 watt bulb at some later point, but not sure if it would be worth me buying the higher wattage bulb right now since I have a brand new 175 watt. Tank is a 36 or 54 gallon corner (Haven't made up my mind yet) which I don't expect to keep any SPS, but I am thinking about Clams.
Any help is greatly appreciated,
Thanks,
Jonathan

[Reefland]

Hi Jonathan, Welcome to Reefland!

Know it would not be a good idea to use anything less than a match in any scenario. This goes for a 175w bulb on a 250w ballast or a 400w bulb on a 175w ballast. I would sell the 175w bulb and pick up a 250w bulb for the system and you shouldn't be out much money.

Scott Z.

[Ninong]

Sorry but you can't run a 175w lamp on a 250w ballast. Good chance the lamp would explode.

[jonnywhatever]

Thanks to both of you - I like the idea of switching the bulbs - will the mogul socket accomodate the higher wattage bulb?
Thanks!

[Reefland]

Yes, the socket will work for 175, 250 and 400w bulbs.

Scott Z.

[jonnywhatever]

Yes, the socket will work for 175, 250 and 400w bulbs.

Scott Z.

thank you