175 bulbs in 250 ballast

[macawmagic]

I just picked up a dual 250 ballast. I've got some used 175 and 400 bulbs and was wondering if I could put any of them in the 250 ballast or not. Trying to keep price down, but will order new bulbs if I must!

 

[rendos]

Match the bulb wattage to the ballast. You could start a fire, or burn the bulb out at minimum.

 

[Troylee]

175s with a 250 ballast will burn them out quick and prolly the ballast also not a good idea... We have ANSI codes for a reason...

 

[xrayrider]

I can usually find cheap chinese made 250 halides on ebay for $10 - $20 each. I have used them when in a jam. I usually use Radiums, so the color of the Chinese 20K is a little to white for me, but it works in a pinch until you can get what you want. You can also use standard 250 bulbs from lowes, or home depot. They are very yellow (about 6500K), but will keep things alive until you can afford better. Check with your local reef club. I always keep a few old used bulbs around for emergencies. Maybe someone local will give you, or sell you a couple of cheap used ones.

 

[macawmagic]

I figured it was a no go...just wanted to check and see! LOL

 

[nanodude87]

Yea I would prob not do that lol.

 

[LegoZ81]

I have some older 250w XM 10k you can have for cost of shipping.

 

[LegoZ81]

Also I have overdriven a 175w bulbs to 250w and it works but it produced a high pitched squeal and would probably have failed catastrophically.

 

[macawmagic]

I ended up borrowing some bulbs from my neighbor until the fragswap in 2 weeks. I'm hoping I'll make over $200 for some new bulbs!

Legoz...Thank a bunch, but I've got it covered for now!