Magnetic vs Electronic Ballast

[jead85]

I am about to setup a 2x 250w DE setup. I have read that the light output is better on magnetic ballasts. Is this difference worth while? or should i just stick to a more efficient, cooler ballast.

 

[rbredding]

do a search.. this topic has been discussed ad nausium..

 

[grouper therapy]

jead85;532528 wrote: I am about to setup a 2x 250w DE setup. I have read that the light output is better on magnetic ballasts. Is this difference worth while? or should i just stick to a more efficient, cooler ballast.

what bulb are you going to run?

 

[jead85]

after continuing reading rit, i think i'll still go with what we had talked about. I just want to do any last research before i take the dive

 

[ichthyoid]

I think the argument comes down to-
1) higher output
versus
2) higher efficiency

Magnetics <u>may</u> </em>win on #1, but
Electronics clearly win on #2

At the end of the month, what I care about as a consumer is value. Can I enjoy the hobby, supporting my corals, for the least amout of resource? I think #2 is more important in that regard.

 

[schwaggs]

In my case, my light fixture has 250W DE sockets and I can get nearly 400W of output using M80 magnetic ballasts. If I had it to do over again, I would run 400W bulbs on electronic ballasts. Electronics are more efficient.

 

[ichthyoid]

Schwaggs;532668 wrote: In my case, my light fixture has 250W DE sockets and I can get nearly 400W of output using M80 magnetic ballasts. If I had it to do over again, I would run 400W bulbs on electronic ballasts. Electronics are more efficient.

Thank you! That is a perfect example in this classic argument.

You get less heat (waste) with the electronics.