Metal Halide DIY help.-

[DragonForce]

I came across a brand new Hydrel metal halide ballast from a friend for free to see if I can utilize it to save even more money on my DIY lighting setup, I will be going to pick the ballast up tomorrow however im not sure if it will be compatable. I have all the specs though, if anyone can help me out that would be awsome!

Hydrel 277V 175W M57 Metal Halide Ballast
Model # HSL-5530

Watts: 175
Volts: 277
Lamp type: M57

If there is anyway for me to use this lighting ill have a very nice 4.7 watts per gallon to start my first reef/fish project while spending under 100 bucks! Thanks again!

 

[greenmaji]

Have you found a bulb to fit it? do you have 240V(im pretty sure thats what is needed) wired to your tank location? I think the normal MH bulbs are M38-40.. but.. thats just from reaserch.. HTH

 

[DragonForce]

im guessing i cant use it, i already ordered the reflector and the mogul, i dont think this ballast is compatable ill just have to buy a different one.

 

[greenmaji]

since you have ordered a reflector and mogul already see if you cant find a pulse start bulb and Ive got a decent deal for a MH ballast link.. http://www.prolighting.com/mehaba.html HTH

 

[DragonForce]

already ordered a bulb, highly doubt its pulse start

 

[DragonForce]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4372609356&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEWN:IT&rd=1

thats the bulb i bought, it says it will use M57 or whatever so now i might be ok?

 

[greenmaji]

that looks like it would work with either.. good show.. it says pulse or probe start..
you would need some 03 suplementing for corals though.. its 10K

 

[DragonForce]

Ok awsome i didnt even read that when i purchased, so which ballast do you think i should buy from your link you sent? thanks again!

 

[greenmaji]

http://www.prolighting.com/17mehapustba.html

this one can be wired to 120V.. and its about $54 HTH