Metal halide ballast any good?

[reef’r]

Was wondering for some info on this ballast maybe from @X-37B. I picked it up along side two lumen max elite fixtures. I’m thinking this is a magnetic ballast correct? I know it’s not capable of overdriving a 250w bulb but is it any better than my current reefbreeders ballast?

 

[X-37B]

That is a standard Magnetic ballast, either M138 or M 153.
Reefbreeder ballast, not familiar with.

 

[reef’r]

That is a standard Magnetic ballast, either M138 or M 153.
Reefbreeder ballast, not familiar with.

Sorry, meant to say Reefbrite ballast

 

[X-37B]

Sorry, meant to say Reefbrite ballast

Electronic should give more power. Mine give 30% more par than the magnetic.

 

[Overboard]

Nice find!

It’s a Sunlight Supply Blue Wave magnetic ballast, pulse start style (not all are). Not HQI so it won’t fire double ended bulbs. Some single ended MH bulbs cannot fire without a pulse start ballast, but those brands may be virtually gone. You can also fire a regular MH bulb on it (like Aquabright / Hamilton). Timer too.

I am old school (like really old school) and still use these things. Long since out of production. I would be interested if you want to get rid of it. I would pay for shipping as that will be twice the cost of the ballast, at least. Heavy thing!

 

[reef’r]

Nice find!

It’s a Sunlight Supply Blue Wave magnetic ballast, pulse start style (not all are). Not HQI so it won’t fire double ended bulbs. Some single ended MH bulbs cannot fire without a pulse start ballast, but those brands may be virtually gone. You can also fire a regular MH bulb on it (like Aquabright / Hamilton). Timer too.

I am old school (like really old school) and still use these things. Long since out of production. I would be interested if you want to get rid of it. I would pay for shipping as that will be twice the cost of the ballast, at least. Heavy thing!

I appreciate it. The timer doesn’t work and to be honest I’m not entirely sure the ballast works all that well either, may need a rebuild kit. I’ve only turned it on once and it fired the bulb and then went out… bounced it around a little and it kicked back on. She needs some TLC for sure

 

[Overboard]

I appreciate it. The timer doesn’t work and to be honest I’m not entirely sure the ballast works all that well either, may need a rebuild kit. I’ve only turned it on once and it fired the bulb and then went out… bounced it around a little and it kicked back on. She needs some TLC for sure

Oh no! It’s almost impossible to find all the parts. Not sure about the timer, but you may still be able find the capacitor. That is often the problem. Hopefully true for you. The magnetic ballast itself has not been made for years.

 

[xabo]

Oh no! It’s almost impossible to find all the parts. Not sure about the timer, but you may still be able find the capacitor. That is often the problem. Hopefully true for you. The magnetic ballast itself has not been made for years.

May get lucky......
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nk...&_odkw=250W+pulse+start+ballast+kit&_osacat=0

 

[Overboard]

I stand corrected! I was thinking HQI which are virtually impossible to find. The pulse start and regular 250 watt ballasts you can find, as you know.