150w->250w DE orbit DIY?

birdsnest · Feb 24, 2010

can I find a 250w ballast that i can swap with the 150w? the ballast is built into the fixture, the light is an DE hqi. and if so, what would i need to do to the reflector and sockets to accept a higher wattage bulb? any ideas are appreciated. my corals are asking for more light.

BlazinNano · Feb 24, 2010

I have thought about doing this too. I have a Current HQI. You would basically have to gut it. Take the old ballast and sockets out. Then rewire it and put it all back together. I would get and external ballast rather then trying to put one in the fixture.

birdsnest · Feb 24, 2010

i guess the external ballast would be and easy out. is there a place i can find replacement parts for my fixture to get the reflector and new sockets?

BlazinNano · Feb 24, 2010

Don't know if you would need a new reflector unless you wanted one. As for sockets you would just have to get a set for a 250 DE instead of the 150 DE.

Who Dah? · Feb 24, 2010

Looking for this? From one of our R2R sponsors at Premium Aquatics:

250W version:
Sunlight Supply 250w HQI Socket: Premium Aquatics

150W version:
150W HQI Socket Pair w/ Bracket -Deluxe: Premium Aquatics

I did the same thing you are looking at doing, except the other way. I went from 250DE in my Maristar to 150DE. FWIW, they weren't the exact same size and there was a little compromise in the fit. But it's not noticeable cosmetically speaking and worked fine w/ the existing reflectors.

GL!

gilmour01 · Feb 24, 2010

i did this with my outer orbit. i just trimmed the existing reflectors so that the new bulb holders would fit, then re-wired it with the 250w ballast. it really was an easy upgrade.

Who Dah? · Feb 24, 2010

gilmour01: Where did you get your 250W sockets from? The ones I originally got were from DIYReef (RIP). But it might help birdsnest to know which ones and/or where you got yours from knowing that it'll work. (I know there are a few different manufactures and sizes/styles out there.)