resurrecting old lighting

I'd like to use some 10 year old lighting equipment I have. The balast is marked AQ1 250 (120 V 2.5 amp)

http://www.pfolighting.com/AquariumPgFolder/aqCatVers2.pdf

page 7

with the RSA8MOG socket. page 6

can I use this bulb?
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/Re...alide/250W_20000K_Metal_Halide_Bulb_by_Radium

I am clueless as to what to replace the bulb with. In the past I have bought "ready to use' items, so am out of my depth here.

I'd like to have sufficient lighting for corals and and later an anemone in a 30 gal tank.

Thanks

 

It should work.

 

I would love to help but everytime I try to open that file the computer shuts down, looks like I need a new Computer!
What kind of setup is it?

 

Hi again Doc,

Sorry the pooter is acting up. This is an old MH light I have, it has a balast rated at 250 watts and I think I located it at PFO lighting, PFO indicates it is an HQI, the pendant has a single ceramic socket and a reflector. Not sure what else I can tell you. The bulb in it is pretty old and has no markings on it.

I guess my question is because the balast is marked 250 W, can I use a 250 watt bulb ( I can just see people sitting back in there chairs laughing at this question!). Then is it ok to use a 20K? Okay....this is lumens right???

I would like to raise some corals and later an anemone.

 

Hmmmm, HQI typically coresponds w/ a DE(double ended) bulb and a single socket would corespond with a mogul or SE(single ended) bulb. Is the bulb in there like an inch long? Or does it look kind of like bulbs we use in our home lighting? Does the bulb screw in? The thing about MH is you need the proper ballast for your bulb. A mogul bulb isn't going to be lit properly by a DE ballast and vice versa. The bulb will need to be replaced, I can tell you that. Most MH users replace them after 8-12 months.
If the ballast is marked for a 250w bulb then yes, you can use one!! 20,000k is the SPECTRUM or color(temperature) of the bulb not lumens. 20,000k is a more blue color as compared to a more white 10,000k.

Until you respond.... Good luck!

 

Thaks for the clarification doc,

It is a bulb that screws in, and the entire bulb is aboout 8 or 9 in long.

 

Sorry for the late reply.... That bulb is a mogul or SE bulb, so make sure the ballast is appropriate. Also, SE bulbs DO NOT need a glass shield to protect the animals from radiation, I guess thats a bonus for you! Ushio and XM make some good bulbs, I personally would try the Ushio first.

Good luck and keep us posted!!