Can't find info on this ballast, need advice please

The electrical foreman that is on the job-site I'm on right now said that I could have this fixture. He said that he removed these as part of a remodel last year, he has put up 4 of them in the gymnasium area of the new school for temporary lighting about 20 ft above the floor.

I figure I have 2 options, maybe 3.
1) Remove the socket and extend the leads to create a remote ballast, then install this on my existing 55 gallon until my 90 gallon long is ready.
2) Continue with the above process, except find a matching fixture and install them on my 90 gal when its ready (I would supplement these with actinics)
3) Make a nice Retrofit fixture and sale it or trade for the lighting I need for my 90 gal long.

BTW, you can see where I am in the process of my build on the 90 gallon, I've started a build thread and saved it as one of my favorites. I am going to set up the 90 gallon when I have all of the components and equipment I need. I don't feel I am ready for the demand of SPS coral's but I do love my anemone and know that she needs more light. Since the 90 is 5 ft long I'm having a difficult time with the lighting. I would really like to go with T5 HO but I'm not sure if I have that option with this tank. Let me know what you guys think, all input is welcome and appreciated!

 

Hey Carpenter. From what I can see, this is a stock utility ballast used to fire industrial gas discharge lamps. Often referred to as "high bay" lights, these lights are used to burn 20' or more from the ground, and do one thing only: supply copious amounts of light.

This ballast would probably work with metal halides, but if it does, I have two concerns. First, there's no reflector. Also, the color temperature of reefkeeping bulbs is critical.

We rely on reflectors to aim and disperse the light into our tanks. Additionally, keeping corals requires bulbs in the 10K to 20K range. Many of these high bay lights provide 65K light, which wouldn't work for our tanks.

You'd be better off just saving up for a decent fixture and buying it when you're able. Good luck, and I hope this helps.

 

dood a ballast is a ballast is a ballast. run the wires and get one of those cheap worklights from lowes or home depot for you reflector. a new bulb and your in bidness. if it fires the light your good to go! oh and color temperature has everything to do with the bulb.. not the ballast or electrcity...

 

What are your sources? That's like saying: "An engine is an engine, is an engine. Just put a lawnmower engine in your car; put some bike wheels on it, and you'll be in bee-idness." Yes that is more economical in the short term. But, would you do that? Of course not, it won't pay off in the long run.

The reefing community is always looking for ways to save money (diy tank builds, 2 part solutions ect.) There is a good reason no one does what you have suggested. It's simply not a corner that can be cut.