Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the difference between an electronic ballast and a magnetic core and coil? A: Electronic ballasts, also known as "digital", utilize a internal microprocessor that converts a higher efficiency of energy to the bulb using less power from the ballast. The result is a higher quality bulb life, and increased output of light. Q: Which lamps are recommended for use in the Lumatek e-ballast? A: Sun Pulse lamps are the recommended choice for use in the Lumatek e-ballasts. These are available in metal halide only, so if hps is desired Lumatek High-Par lamps will suffice. Q: Which lamps are recommended for use in the Phantom and Lumatek digital ballasts? A: Most lamp brands distributed by Hydrofarm are approved for use in the Phantom digital ballasts. Sun Pulse and Plantmax lamps are the preferred lamp brands for use in the Phantoms, except for 1000W. We recommend 1000W Plantmax bulbs with the 1000W Phantom. NOTE: Many "blue", "super blue", or dual arc tube bulbs will work intermittently with Phantoms and Lumateks. Try to avoid using these bulbs with our digital ballasts. Q: Why is my Hortilux bulb not working with my Lumatek or Phantom ballast? A: Hortilux Dual Arc Tube bulbs and Hortilux Blue Daylight Metal Halide bulbs are not compatible with Lumatek or Phantom digital ballasts. A magnetic ballast is recommended for these. If you have problems with other Metal Halide bulbs and our digital ballasts, try using a MH conversion bulb. Q: I have a 1000W ballast, can I use a 400W or 600W bulb in it? A: No, ballasts can only be used with bulbs that are of the same wattage rating. A 1000W ballast can only be used with a 1000W bulb, a 400W with a 400W, etc. *This does not apply to the dimmable Lumateks, which can use a 600W bulb if dimming switch is set to 600W, etc.* Q: Can an HPS ballast be used to power a metal halide bulb? A: This is never recommended, the ballast and bulb type (wattage and operation) must match. Convertible ballasts, however, can be switched between MH and HPS modes. There is also the option of using a conversion bulb, this is a special type of bulb which allows an HPS ballast to operate a MH bulb or visa versa. *This does not apply to the Phantom digital models*
Dimmable
Unique graduated fin design for more efficient cooling
Completely pre-wired with popular BAREF lamp cord
*3 years full + 2 years warranty
Internal Resin coating protects components for long life
External breaker system protects against power surges
Completely silent
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between an electronic ballast and a magnetic core and coil?
A: Electronic ballasts, also known as "digital", utilize a internal microprocessor that converts a higher efficiency of energy to the bulb using less power from the ballast. The result is a higher quality bulb life, and increased output of light.
Q: Which lamps are recommended for use in the Lumatek e-ballast?
A: Sun Pulse lamps are the recommended choice for use in the Lumatek e-ballasts. These are available in metal halide only, so if hps is desired Lumatek High-Par lamps will suffice.
Q: Which lamps are recommended for use in the Phantom and Lumatek digital ballasts?
A: Most lamp brands distributed by Hydrofarm are approved for use in the Phantom digital ballasts. Sun Pulse and Plantmax lamps are the preferred lamp brands for use in the Phantoms, except for 1000W. We recommend 1000W Plantmax bulbs with the 1000W Phantom. NOTE: Many "blue", "super blue", or dual arc tube bulbs will work intermittently with Phantoms and Lumateks. Try to avoid using these bulbs with our digital ballasts.
Q: Why is my Hortilux bulb not working with my Lumatek or Phantom ballast?
A: Hortilux Dual Arc Tube bulbs and Hortilux Blue Daylight Metal Halide bulbs are not compatible with Lumatek or Phantom digital ballasts. A magnetic ballast is recommended for these. If you have problems with other Metal Halide bulbs and our digital ballasts, try using a MH conversion bulb.
Q: I have a 1000W ballast, can I use a 400W or 600W bulb in it?
A: No, ballasts can only be used with bulbs that are of the same wattage rating. A 1000W ballast can only be used with a 1000W bulb, a 400W with a 400W, etc. *This does not apply to the dimmable Lumateks, which can use a 600W bulb if dimming switch is set to 600W, etc.*
Q: Can an HPS ballast be used to power a metal halide bulb?
A: This is never recommended, the ballast and bulb type (wattage and operation) must match. Convertible ballasts, however, can be switched between MH and HPS modes. There is also the option of using a conversion bulb, this is a special type of bulb which allows an HPS ballast to operate a MH bulb or visa versa. *This does not apply to the Phantom digital models*
- Unique graduated fin design for more efficient cooling
- Completely pre-wired with popular BAREF lamp cord
- *3 years full + 2 years warranty
- Internal Resin coating protects components for long life
- External breaker system protects against power surges
