MH Magnetic Ballast

[BigBs]

What is a Magnetic Ballast? Im new to this hobby and have never heard of this. Are they any good? Can you use any bulb with this kind of ballast?I Found a complete MH kit with bulb for $120 and thought this is probably to good to be true.
Thanks for any help

[icemark]

Magnetic Ballasts are another common name for a Coil type ballast. It is the equivalent of a Tar ballast for florescent lighting.

They are generally not as energy efficient as an electronics ballast (such as the IceCap), but the cost difference often makes up for it. In some cases they may actually put out more PAR (Light that the corals can use) than electronic ballasts although not in most cases.

PFO ballasts for example are Magnetic or Coil type ballasts.

BTW, Welcome to Reefland

[BigBs]

Thanks for the info. Will i be able to run any type of bulb off of these ballasts?

[icemark]

Generally yes. Although I hear some of the Coralife bulbs may ring/buzz a little, (haven't confirmed that personally though).

[Ltspd]

I dont beleive you can run HQI's off of the standard magnetic ballast.