Metal Halide bulb question

[TexasTiger]

So this is a ridiculous thing to admit, but I have no idea whether or not my metal halides are 150w or 250w. I got the fixture off my brother-in-law used and the box and instructions that he provided me with say that the bulbs are 150w HQIs (DE). However, I purchased 2 150w DE HQIs and they are both too short and have the wrong connection on the bulb. In looking around online, the bulbs in the fixture look like 250w DE HQIs. I don't see any wattage listed on the bulbs. Does anyone have a 250w DE I can borrow to test my theory?

Here's a picture of the bulb I pulled out:

Here's what the 150w bulb I bought looked like:

Here's what the 250w bulb from the same sight looks like:

[AquaJohn]

I would say look at the ballest < the big box that plugs into the wall > it should have the info stamped on it someplace.

[TexasTiger]

I believe it has some sort of internal electronic ballast. It's an older model of the Current USA MH/Actinic/Moon Light unit. Here's what the external boxes read:

[+Lamont]

Looks like a 250w. could you post a pic of of the socket that it plugs into. then i could tell for sure.

[TexasTiger]

Yeah, I'll take one in a few when my actinics shut off for the night. I appreciate your help fellas.

[JimD]

The bulb in the first pic with the blade connections is definately a 250 watter... That bulb pushes into the socket where as the 150 watter fits between to contact pins on the ends.

[TexasTiger]

Here's the socket. I hope this is enough to tell. If not, let me know and I'll take it apart.

[+Lamont]

Thats a 250 watt socket. i have the same sockets

[Bill B]

Yes you do have the two bulbs labeled correctly and a 250 watt socket. Looks like you have your bulbs mismatched with the ballast and for some reason they still fire. If the amps is 1.8 that means it pulls about 200 watts. It is not unusual for a ballast to use more watts/power than it takes to push the bulb, especially if this is a magnetic ballast. I can't tell you how to identify a magnetic or e ballast except normally the electronic will actually use the words electronic somewhere and magnetic will not say magnetic.

If you are interested I am pretty sure I have a new pair of 150 watt posts I'd sell ya $15. We might have to meet in the middle someplace to get them to you though.

Bill

[TexasTiger]

Very odd. I guess Current USA makes a fine product

From researching a bit online, it appears the ballast is electronic. I admit I don't have much electrical knowledge. What are the pros/cons to just continuing to use 250w bulbs? I've been using this fixture for a few months and even with the old, mismatched bulbs my SPS seem pretty content.

[Timfish]

Well, it's hard to argue with happy corals. With mismatched bulbs and ballast I wouldn't trust the color temp. or lumen output.

[Bill B]

Agree with Tim. You are probably getting substandard performance from the 250 but my guess is it's at least as good as a 150. If it ain't broke....

[TexasTiger]

Yeah, I think it's probably just best to stick with what has been working. I always thought the fixture had 150w bulbs, so in a sense I guess I'm getting a little bit of a bonus.