Electronic or magnetic ballast?

[carlosngloria]

Which one is better for MH?

[illal]

you want electronic

[ReefWreak]

They're different. Electronic are more consistent and usually more efficient, but put less electricity through the bulb than an HQI or M95 (may be the same, don't know off the top of my head). HQI and M95, M85, etc are all magnetic, and the higher number and HQI put more electricity through the bulb, while the lower ones put as much or less light through the bulb, and are lower wattage bulbs.

I run 2 electronics, one Coralvue, one Icecap, after my other coralvue burned out. The Coralvue definitely puts more electricity into the bulb, as evidenced by making one bulb brighter than the other, when the two bulbs are identical.

[ReefWreak]

Yea, to make it easier to understand, here ya go:

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...hreadid=624185

[db_triggerfish]

i would only consider electronic, less heat, less chance of fire because they don't have that high voltage capacitor,newer models claim to produce more par than magnetic(it's a claim so?), less space easy to mount on the back of the canopy, the magnetic takes up too much room in the stand. Though the Blue Wave seem like really great magnetic ballast, if i had to get magnetic only Blue Wave for me, and the new icecap electronic mh ballast.

[carlosngloria]

thanks, the set-up i ordered is coming with the electronic ballast

[0 Agios]

Go with magnetic, trust me we replace more electronic ballasts than anything else in this field, bigger fire hazard with electronic ballasts since they give a start pulse of about 2000 volts. That’s my 0.02

[szhttm]

You should visit Sanjay's Reef Lighting Pages. Here you will be able to see what combination would work best for you.

Good Luck and Have Fun!!!;