Mogel to HQI, ballast question.

[CAreefer]

I think I already know the answer, but... Will the ice cap MH ballast drive an HQI/double ended bulb? If not, can the ballast be upgraded to work?. I have 3 of them and would like to switch to HQI lighting.

Thanks
CAreefer

[Ninong]

Yes, the regular Ice-Cap 250w MH ballast will drive a double-ended HQI bulb. Ice-Cap has a different 250w ballast for Iwasaki bulbs and it should be sent back for modification before you should use it for double-ended HQI bulbs.

Uh, oh! I just looked at your homepage and it looks like you have the I-Ballast instead of the MH-Ballast, right? In which case, I think you should send an email to Ice-Cap -- service@icecapinc.com -- before trying to use them on HQI double-ended bulbs. I think you have to send them back and they charge something like $10 each to convert them.

P.S. -- I just checked out Ice-Cap's website and it looks like they have a new model 250-MH-HQI ballast, but you probably have one of the old style ballasts: either 250-MH or 250-I (for Iwasaki only).

[CAreefer]

Ninong, Well, I had the I ballast, but have since sent them back and had them converted for the 10k bulbs. One was bought with the 10k bulb (retro-kit) when I decided to switch from 6500. I had to send jone of the I ballast back for repair/warranty and had it tuned for the 10k. So now I have a back up ballast for the 65k also. Would there be any advantage to switching to the HQI bulbs? Does it justify the cost? Where can I get the sockets and wiil the same reflectors be adequate? Sorry for the barrage of questions, but I was hoping you would post a response.

Thanks
CAreefer

[Ninong]

One of the problems with using double-ended HQI bulbs is that you MUST use a protective UV glass shield.

I am not sure if there is enough of a difference between the 250w 10,000K mogul base bulbs and the 250w 10,000K DE bulbs of the same manufacturer, e.g. Ushio mogul vs. Ushio DE or AB mogul vs. AB DE. I chose 250w 10,000K HQI DE bulbs but I was starting from scratch with a complete ready-made fixture.

[kevinpo]

Visually I could not tell any difference (with my eyes) in the color or intensity of 250W AB 10,000K bulbs mounted side by side. One was a DE and the other a Mogul both driven by a PFO HQI ballast.


HTH,
Kevin

[traveller7]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by CAreefer
QUOTE]

Beautiful Anemone, regardless of lighting ;)