Downgrading MH Wattage in same fixture

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by ptgestimator, Jan 13, 2009.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. ptgestimator

    ptgestimator Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2008
    Messages:
    90
    Location:
    Strasburg, VA
    I am a little unsure of whether I can go from a MH fixture that came stock 250 to a lower watt MH bulb. Are MH fixtures setup as a "up to" wattage or is it fixed so the ballasts will only fire the designated watts? Does anyone have experience with this?
     
    ptgestimator, Jan 13, 2009
    ptgestimator, Jan 13, 2009
    #1

    2. Click Here!

  2. PackLeader

    PackLeader Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2008
    Messages:
    5,716
    Location:
    Reno, NV
    The ballasts would have to be replaced as well.
     
    PackLeader, Jan 13, 2009
    PackLeader, Jan 13, 2009
    #2
  3. Froc3

    Froc3 Fire Goby

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2007
    Messages:
    1,318
    Location:
    Saskatoon, Sk
    Yeah, the ballast is what essentially runs the bulb. You could run a higher wattage bulb on a 250w ballast - say a 400w bulb - at a lower performance level, but running a 175w bulb on the 250w ballast would burn the bulb out in a hurry.
     
    Froc3, Jan 13, 2009
    Froc3, Jan 13, 2009
    #3
  4. ptgestimator

    ptgestimator Spanish Shawl Nudibranch

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2008
    Messages:
    90
    Location:
    Strasburg, VA
    Damn, thats what I was afraid of. Thanks guys.
     
    ptgestimator, Jan 13, 2009
    ptgestimator, Jan 13, 2009
    #4