PeteRock Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 So I have this MH warehouse ballast that was sold to me claiming to run 175,250,400 Watts. There are no switches or controls on this ballast. Will this ballast put out 400W no matter what and overdrive any bulb that is under 400W? I currently have a 250 W 14k bulb in there and while I am pretty noob about all this, I just get the feeling this thing is pushing this bulb too hard and things are running a bit hot. I do 1 hour bursts now and its fine, but when it was on for 5 hours straight I was nervous. It is a big retro fit setup and the bulb is maybe 9-10" from the top uncovered water level. Thanks for your thoughts (rock2) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 I'm pretty sure the ballast needs to be wired different for each wattage. I.E. To switch from one to the other you will need to open it up and then switch to the wires marked for the wattage you plan to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finch6013 Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 The ballast itself wont change wattage unless its some fancy digital smart thing. I'm an electrician and have never seen such thing. Especially in a warehouse type ballast. Most ballasts used for industrial are able to run 120, 277, and 230v but that won't change the wattage at all. Who sold you this ballast? Are they a reputable person? I would like to know more about it so that I can learn as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barelycuda Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 I have never heard of a multi-wattage ballast. Most ballasts are capable of multiple input voltages but not wattages. If you can take a picture of the nameplate label and maybe we can help you out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
batchelor Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 I'm pretty sure Rick is right. Open it up, you should be able to change it easily. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barelycuda Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 I'm pretty sure Rick is right. Open it up' date=' you should be able to change it easily.[/quote'] Please do not take this the wrong way but I am pretty sure you are wrong. In 17+ years as an electrician I have not seen a warehouse style metal halide fixture with a multi wattage. He may have gotten lucky for it to fire with the lamp he has but more information is needed to determine if it is safe the way he is running it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 What does the ballast itself say on it? I agree that more information is needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteRock Posted April 20, 2011 Author Share Posted April 20, 2011 Thanks folks. I'll unplug it tonight, open it up and take some pictures of the guts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wanareef Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 It's not one of these is it? http://www.sunlightaqua.com/aqua/products.aspx?request=AQUA_GALAXY_SEL_WATT&title=Ballasts&type=product Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Posted April 20, 2011 Share Posted April 20, 2011 If it only has one capacitor inside then it's probably a multi tap voltage rather than multiple wattages. If so get the numbers off the capacitor and run a search for it to see if it matches up with a particular wattage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteRock Posted April 22, 2011 Author Share Posted April 22, 2011 Thanks for the help on this one folks. Here it is. I have no clue what the "strap setting" it refferrs to is. I can open it up if needed, but I thought I'd just try this first. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barelycuda Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 That fixture is designed for a 320 watt pulse start metal halide lamp. Not for aquarium lamp wattages. The strap setting is for the adjustable yoke that holds the optical reflector for different applications not adjusting wattages. It is telling you what notches or length the reflector is installed with that fixture housing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeteRock Posted April 22, 2011 Author Share Posted April 22, 2011 Seemed a bit dodgy. thanks. I'll be taking it back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finch6013 Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Yep! Dave got to it first but he's right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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