Lighting?

[JoshuaBrun]

The aquarium I have was purchased from someone else, and they did a custom lighting dealio in the canopy. I decided I needed new MH bulbs, so I emailed him to find out the wattage, and age and such of the current bulb. I then found out he didnt know the wattage, and that he was using a bulb he took from the ceiling at his work. :S

But basically, the lighting unit is attached to a 400 W transformer or whatever, and I have no clue what that means. Does it mean I can use two 400 watt lights, or can I not exceed 400 watts altogether?

And can anyone reccomend a MH brand that is both good, and slightly cost efficient?

 

[blackcloudmedia]

Is there a serial number anywhere on the unit? Google is your friend.

 

[JoshuaBrun]

I can't see a serial number anywhere. But I also noticed that 400 W MH is written on the top. :S

Would it be safe to assume exactly what it seems it means?

Whats the worst that could happen if I went ahead and ordered 2 400W mh's? Would they just not light up? Or would something bad happen?

 

[blackcloudmedia]

Bones says "Im a Doctor not an electrition" lol sorry had to throw some star trek in there. I honestly dont know. I would take the safe route and open er' up and find a serial number or brand or something (unplugged please) It could be a generic 400 watt light they use in grocery stores or gyms. Do you have a pic? Are there plugs for two bulbs?

 

[JoshuaBrun]

I can try and take a pic, if I can find my camera. The thinger is set up for two bulbs. I was just looking at the transformer.

 

[SnowManSnow]

doesn't sound "aquarium friendly to me

 

[JoshuaBrun]

Haha well it's been doing just fine. I just want to purchase two new bulbs, and I just don't know what wattage to go with. This is the true conondrum.

 

[Anonymous]

Is there a serial number anywhere on the unit? Google is your friend.

Also try looking at MH units for sale online, you might find a picture and then know what you have.

 

[JoshuaBrun]

It's not a unit. Big Al's in Canada made it.

 

[Anonymous]

It's not a unit. Big Al's in Canada made it.

you can call them and try to figure it all out with them - 1-888-824-4257
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ct ... e=Category


I didnt see any 400 watt halide ballasts or set-ups listed but that doesnt mean they hadnt sold them in the past- I recommend giving them a call...

 

[JoshuaBrun]

well I called that number, and he told me I should probably call the store that made it and hope for the best. But apparently worst will come to worst, and it will only be able to handle up to 400 W. So I'll basically have to get 2 175 or whatever W lights, or 1 400 watt. I don't think that will satisfy my 200 gallon tanks needs. I don't get why they set it up so stupidly.

 

[Anonymous]

Please post a photo. I'm having a hard time picturing what you are looking at. I'm thinking you have dual 400 watt ballasts if the hood is set up for two metal halide bulbs.


Are you sure it's not stamped or stickered somewhere? The ANSI number is the definitive ID that you are looking for...

* M57 or M137 will be 175 watts

* M58, M138, M80, and H37 are all 250 watts

* M59, M135, and H33 are all 400 watts

That number also tells you if it's a pulse start or a probe start ballast determining which *type* of bulb it will run. If your current bulbs are single ended, M57, M58, and M59 are the most likely candidates. These three ballasts will all run probe start single ended bulbs at their respective wattages.

 

[Anonymous]

What's the difference between Pulse and Probe?

 

[Anonymous]

Probe start bulbs are the traditional MH bulb in the US. They have a 'probe' on the inside of the bulb that prefires the bulb. Once the probe conditions get to a certain point, the main part of the bulb will fire. These represent the majority of single ended bulbs on the market.

Pulse start ballasts do not have a probe inside the bulb. Instead, if the ballast is magnetic, the ballast has an ignitor that sends a 'pulse' to the bulb causing it to fire. All double ended bulbs and a few single ended bulbs (ie. Radium) are set up with this configuration. Most electronic ballasts will also fire pulse start bulbs. European bulbs are usually pulse start.

Here's an image showing the difference within the bulb. The pulse start elements are shown on the upper half of the image.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks!