FarmerTy Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 I have a 150-watt HQI setup. Can I just swap out the ballast and bulb for 250-watt and use the same existing setup? I googled it but haven't found anything definitive. Thanks! -Ty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prof Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Yes, you can. The bulb will run a little hotter but you should be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wizardx322 Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 ya you can but i am pretty sure the 250w bulb is alittle bigger so you would need new sockets and ballast maybe reflector if the socket doesn't sit right for the 250w bulb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerTy Posted January 26, 2012 Author Share Posted January 26, 2012 So I would need to modify the sockets to fit the larger 250-watt bulb? Just trying to figure out if I just need to go ahead and buy a new pendant or if my existing one will work. Thanks for everyone's input so far. -Ty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prof Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 wizard is correct. The 250w HQI double ended bulb is about 1 inch longer. The base should be FC2 and work for either bulb(if set to the right length). R7 and RX7 base bulbs are what you would find in a typical flood light or garage work lamp. Check out the specs here: http://www.topbulb.com/find/metal_halide_double_ended_lamps.asp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerTy Posted January 26, 2012 Author Share Posted January 26, 2012 Ahhh, thanks guys and thanks Prof for the link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aqua-Dome Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 150s have spring loaded pin contacts on both sides. 250s have a metal leaf on each end that sandwiches between plate contacts. So, you need new everything Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prof Posted January 26, 2012 Share Posted January 26, 2012 Yes, FC2 is the metal leaf and RX7/R7 are the pin type. If you have the FC2 style than you can use the old lamp holder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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