Metal halides and magnetic ballasts

[rscotth]

Will metal halides that rum on a electromagnetic ballast run hotter that those on an electronic ballast? Is the bulb life reduced on a magnetic ballast? I was going to put 4 VHO's above a 55 gallon but I really like the way halides look.

Thanks for any advice,
Scott

[organicreefer]

well the ballast is certainly hotter,i dont know about the bulbs.as far as bulb life i beleive the manufacturers of electronic ballasts say that lamps last longer on them,but i dont know first hand.

[icemark]

Originally posted by rscotth
Will metal halides that rum on a electromagnetic ballast run hotter that those on an electronic ballast? Is the bulb life reduced on a magnetic ballast? I was going to put 4 VHO's above a 55 gallon but I really like the way halides look.

Thanks for any advice,
Scott

1. Yes

2. Yes

3. IMO a combo of both looks good