[Tinkanator]

Sorry if this is a total newbie question to ask, but I'm trying to put together a MH system consisting of 3 250W lamps for a 125 I'll be setting up. I've found a ballast for one of the lights that has an ANSI code of M58 but was said to be a Mercury Vapor ballast, would it fire the XM 10k bulbs I'll be buying? I know an M80 ballast is the optimum choice of ballast, but from what I've read on an M58 it'll produce good PAR numbers, use a little less energy, and had a measured CCT rating of 12083 (as opposed to CCT of 9921 on an M80, so I should get a slightly bluer color on the M58 correct). Thanks for the help

[scooterman]

Welcome to Reefland

That M58 should work fine, If you got a link to it I can double check it doesn't hurt but I'm almost certain it will work. The M58 is used for regular lamps but not the HQI types.

[scooterman]

I found this little clip that may also help but it does state your M58 will run a 250W MH Pulse start lamp just fine, most common type used in the U.S., XM lamps are pulse start.

. Can I run a probe start style MH lamp (bulb) on a pulse start MH ballast and vice-versa?
A. The manufacturers of the ballasts and lamps do not recommend this. What adverse effects will it have? Ballasts/lamps are designed to be run as a circuit within certain tolerances (line input, starting voltage, current, etc.). Electrical components should be operated as specified. By not following these guidelines, you may increase the chance of risk, damage to your equipment, premature failure of lamps and other potential hazards. Lamp manufacturers do not guarantee lamp performance or reliability if incorrect ballast is used with a lamp.
Q. Why does this ballast have 2 ANSI designations?
A. This ballast will operate both 250W metal halide and 250W mercury vapor lamps, hence the M58 and H37 designation.
Q. What is the difference between these new Magnetic Ballast Systems and the Electronic Ballast Systems?
A. Electronic ballast is smaller and higher performance than the magnetic ballast.
Q. What is the difference between a "probe start" and "pulse start" ballast?
A. Without getting technical, a "pulse start" ballast has an ignitor which helps start the lamp, while the "probe start" does not have an ignitor. Most ballasts sold in MH fixtures here in the U.S. are "probe start" (ANSI: M57, M58 or M59).

[charlie]

Hey Scooter, thanx for the help