Still running a magnetic ballast?

Someone posted this pic on my local clubs' message board... thought I would share since I found it interesting:

 

interesting. Although that amount of "burn" won't affect the bulbs life if you change the bulbs every year to 16 months like most hobbyists.

I am still running magnetic ballasts but have been wanting to change them to electronic ballasts for a while.

I have m58 magnetic running 2x 250w of xm 10000k se halides, and my friend has the same bulbs, but on lumateks, and his bulbs look more white, versus yellowy from my setup. I am certain that the magnetics are making the bulbs less white light, and his PAR is very high. I have not tested my PAR yet, because my halide reflectors are far from ideal, but my new pendants are on the way.

 

I always ran my M85's on 220v for a better kick start.

 

Well, magnetic ballasts will drive the bulb harder, so it's not that unexpected, just some good empiracle evidence.

 

This is like 7 months on magnetic ballasts from my tank today.


These are xm 250w 10,000k SE's, so very similar to the xm's in the pic you posted above.

Mine look better than the electronic ballast run bulb even.

 

Yeah, i would upgrade if I were you. Probably not getting all you can out of your bulbs.

 

I just upgraded from a really bad reflector to 2 SE pendants. BIG difference in light in the tank. When I can afford it, I will probably get lumatek ballasts.

 

I had looked at the lumateks before I got my Galaxy Ballasts.... An upgrade on the ballasts is always a good feeling. Galaxy makes a quality product.... Recvd an email icecap 250's are 99.99 this black friday at saltysupply.com.

 

I have cheap odyssea reflectors. Live and learn. I can't wait to upgrade to a good reflector.