convert a Sodium (HPS) ballast over to a Metal Halide

[scubadave]

Does anyone out there know if you can convert a Sodium (HPS) ballast over to a Metal Halide

I have access to a doz or more 400 W HPS ballast and want to make them Metal Halides if possible.

The wiring diagram between the two shows that the hps has a starter and a difference sized capacitor, My thought was to remove the starter and replace the capacitor with the same size that my 400 w MH has in it.

I'm just not sure if the coil is wound different or there is anything different between the two coils.

The diagram shows that both coils put out the same wattage ?

Anyway any help would be appreciated

Thanks Dave

[jjmg]

I don't think it can be done. But I don't know that for certain, you work on trains and I worked on planes. But I'll give you a bump up. If you find a way to do it I have dibs on a couple of them.

[dave2184]

I think I read somewere that the 400 watt HQI ballast is infact a HPS ballast let me see if I can find it. back in a few.

[dave2184]

Yep, that it is, look towards the bottom of the first post under 400 watt it says 400 watt HQI = ANSI: SON ARGO 430 watt HPS ballast.

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=201570

[scubadave]

That would be cool Thanks
And I already run 4-400 watt MH's =1600 Watts of MH now so if it can be done they will be up for grabs

[scubadave]

You just made my Day Thanks

[jjmg]

Looks good on the cover. Hope it is.

[dave2184]

No problem glad I could help.:thumbsup:


I just double checked for other ANSI codes and found two.

ANSI: SUN ARGO or
ANSI: S50

These are 430 watts and are used by all the lighting suppliers as an HQI ballast for 400 watt MH. Make sure you don't confuse these with the S51 which is a standard 400 watt HPS.

Note: It's been awhile but the S51 my or may not fire mogul 400s but the other two are definite for both mogul and DE 400s

[jjmg]

So Dave, what makes you think he isn't talking about the S51 ballast? Did I miss something in the post?

[Daveyboi]

Yeah, I have two PFO double 400watt HQI ballast. They have the Son Argo HPS inside.

:D
Dave

[dave2184]

Just giving him the info to make sure he has the right ballast.

[scubadave]

They are S51 ballast
I was just looking them up still not sure if it can be done
keep researching but i appreciate the input

[jjmg]

Sorry if that's correct ScubaDave, but good to know about the Sun Argo if they are cheaper. Thanks for the input.

[electric130]

SON AGRO ballasts are actually HPS ballasts as dave2184 pointed out from my thread on ballasts. this ballast is a little different from most HPS ballasts in that it is actually closer in specs to the european 400w MH ballasts. the original intent of the SON AGRO's on the aquarium market was for the 400w Radium, Ushios, and AB's which were designed for the euro type ballasts. while people use the ballasts for all types of bulbs, they greatly reduce the life of the bulb (400w XM 20k's only last 6 months).

back to the original posters question. no, you can't just take out the iginitor and change capacitors. for one, the capacitor on the HPS connects to the 2 coils. on a MH, it's inline with the bulb. the ignitor has 3 wires so if you took that out and replace it with a cap, you'd still have one wire hanging loose. as far as operation goes, the HPS and MH ballasts have different Open Circuit Current, Open Circuit Voltage, Operating Current, Starting Current, drop-out voltage, etc. in a nutshell, the S51 and M59 coils have totally different inductance characteristics and drive the bulbs differently. that being said, will the S51 fire the MH bulbs? more than likely, but at $75 or more per bulb, i'm not willing to take the risk of damaging the bulb. especially when you can get an M59 for about $45 brand new. not worth the risk IMO.

[electric130]

Originally posted by jjmg
Sorry if that's correct ScubaDave, but good to know about the Sun Argo if they are cheaper. Thanks for the input. SON AGRO's are probably one of the most expensive bare ballasts. $80-90 versus $45 for an M59. plus they overdrive most bulbs and shorten their life.

[Basketcase]

I work in street lighting in the atlanta area and have access to both the HPS and true MH ballasts and equipment. I know that my MH bulbs will burn in an hps fixture just the way it is. I have had two 400 bulbs burning for over a year over my freshwater tank with no adverse side affects. I actually think that they have lasted longer because of the starter built into the circuit. Just a feeling since I haven't noticed any obvious changes in light quality or any obnoxious algae growth. After I get back from my next trip I am going to set up a "reef" (some small frags from my current reef setup) tank with them just to see what happens.