Metal Halide Circuitry: Bulbs in Series

[ron101]

Anyone tried or read about wiring MH bulbs in series? Wondering if they would obey Ohm's law like regular incandescents (ie. 2x70W ~ 150W) so that an existing ballast could be used to power 2 bulbs.

TIA

[TheReefGeek]

Im interested in any answers, especially if a 400w magnetic ballast could run 2x175w bulbs.

[ron101]

Been doing some reading and it doesnt look viable. Probably has to do with the startup procedure for HID bulbs.

[StirCrazy]

you would most likely blow up the first bulb in series and a few seconds later the second.

Steve

[muck]

you would most likely blow up the first bulb in series and a few seconds later the second.

Steve
Thats what i see happening as well.. :mrgreen:

[Invigor]

I want pics ;)

[TheReefGeek]

Yeah, anybody got a spare 400w ballast and 2x175w bulbs to test with? :mrgreen:

[Invigor]

i've got a 175w lamp kickin around...maybe hook it up to my m80 and hide behind a wall..maybe do it outside too so I don't catch the house on fire! I wonder if it'd make a bang, or just fizzle...or nuke my ballast...now that would suck. maybe not a good idea afterall

[TheReefGeek]

I have a 400w ballast I would be willing to try testing 2x175w on, if someone has two bulbs, preferably identical.

[ron101]

Funniest aquaria videos!

[TheReefGeek]

It probably would be better to ask a lighting place if they know :)

[Invigor]

It probably would be better to ask a lighting place if they know :)

c'mon, ask for a demonstration!