Which ballast should I get?

[Myka]

Of you want the highest output possible, then go with the PFO HQI ballast to run a european mogul bulb. The bluer the light the less intensity you will get though. It's better to run 10K with some strong actinics, than 14 or 20K with no actinics.

Google "Sanjay reef lighting", and check out that page. It compares the output (PPFD) of many different ballast and bulb options.

[sharuq1]

Can I use an hqi ballast on a mogul bulb? (I am assuming mogul means screw in?)

[Myka]

Mostly just European moguls will run in an HQI; like Giesemann, XM, Ushio, . Go to "Search performance data", then "by ballast", then select the 250w PFO HQI, and you will see which bulbs will run in it, and what their PPFD is. You can click on the bulb name, and it will show you the PPFD that bulb will give in each ballast as well.

Here's the link for Sanjay's reef lighting page: http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/

[andresont]

Definitely check out Sanjay reef lighting.
I would get M80 ballast for the highest light output and they hold their value the best.

[fkshiu]

I agree, if you don't mind the extra electrical usage the M80 (aka 250 "HQI") ballast with a mogul bulb is the way to go for maximum PAR.

[Chin_Lee]

HQI all the way

[sharuq1]

Hmm...Sanjay's thing is not working for me. So what brand name is good for that type of ballast? Would I only be able to run an XM or are there other types of bulbs too? Is an M80 a magnetic ballast? How long do these last?