Sodium Ballast
Why a Digital Ballast is Superior to a Magnetic Ballast
High Intensity Discharge lights work wonderfully in hydroponic applications. Not only do HID lamps produce light that mimics sunlight more closely than light produced by other light bulbs, but it does so using less energy and in a manner that extends the life of the grow lamps. Any type of HID light that you choose to use for hydroponic gardening will require a lamp ballast. There are three basic types of ballasts available for lamps used in a hydroponic garden: magnetic, electronic, and digital ballasts. Digital ballasts are superior to magnetic ballasts for several reasons.
A magnetic ballast is needed to control the electrical current that flows through the HID lamp. The ballast both ignites the light and keeps it lit. If electrical current was to flow into the light bulb at full voltage, the bulb would burst, so the controlling factor offered by the ballast is necessary for the correct function of any HID light. A magnetic ballast consists of one or more aluminum or copper coils that sit on a core that is made up of steel laminations. The coils and core work in conjunction with a capacitor, and sometimes an igniter. These four parts are most often built into the ballast casing.
A digital ballast offers the same electricity control as does the magnetic ballast, but with the digital model the current conforms to optimal levels of performance for each specific type and wattage of lamp, possible through digital circuitry. Magnetic ballasts weigh more than do digital ones, a consideration in a greenhouse setting, and they also run hotter than digital units. Because of the more consistent application of electrical current, the lamps last longer and function at a higher level using less power with a digital ballast than they might with a magnetic ballast. With a digital ballast, the light produced is more consistent. Magnetic ballasts, especially as they age, become more noisy when they operate, cause the HID lamps to flicker and also contribute to irregularities in the color that the lamp gives off. The digital units can also sense when the lamp is almost used up, and can shut the unit off when it is not functioning optimally.
The specific type of ballast you will need will depend on the HID lamps wattage and type you use. There are four types of HID lights, which consist of metal halide, high pressure as well as low pressure sodium, and mercury vapor. Each one offers advantages regarding efficiency, lamp longevity, color stability and brightness that you will want to take into consideration depending on how you will use the lamp with your plants. The stage of life of your plants will factor into which lamp will best meet your plants’ needs.
About the Author
Susan Slobac discusses how to maintain your hydroponic propagation equipment and improve hydroponic gardening techniques while saving you money. The hydroponic grow lights used with Hydroponic Systems can affect the cost of producing fruits and vegetables in an indoor garden, Susan shows you how to get the most out your equipment.
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150w HPS GROW LIGHT SYSTEM Complete w 150 WATT BULB Mini Sun Sodium ballast lamp $0.01 |
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MagneTek Ballast- High Pressure Sodium Lamp #12210-237-C-TC -120/277 Volts $5.00 |
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GE Lucalox High Pressure Sodium Lamp LU100 100Watt S54 Ballast $5.95 |
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NEW SYLVANIA LUMALUX HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM LAMP LU150/55/ECO 67516-3 BALLAST S55 $6.00 |
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400 watt High Pressure Sodium and Metal Halide Ballast, reflector, and bulb $6.75 |
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400 watt High Pressure Sodium Ballast, reflector, and bulb $9.95 |
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ADVANCE TRANFORMERS 71A7971 HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM BALLAST TRANSFORMER $9.99 |
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ADVANCE TRANFORMERS 71A8172 HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM BALLAST TRANSFORMER $9.99 |
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SYLVANIA LU100/Med High Pressure Sodium Lamp Ballast S54 NIB NOS $9.99 |
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10.0/280 Dry Film Capacitor, 100 W Sodium Ballast S54 $12.50 |
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10.0/280 Oil Filled Capacitor, 100 W Sodium Ballast S54 $12.50 |
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10.0/280 Dry Film Capacitor, 100 W Sodium Ballast S54 $12.50 |
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7.0/280 Dry Film Capacitor for 70W Sodium Ballast S62 $12.50 |
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SYLVANIA Lumalux LU100 High Pressure Sodium Lamp/Bulb Ballast S54 #67514-2 NIB $13.99 |
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A PAIR OF (2) SYLVANIA LU250/ECO Ballast S50 High Pressure Sodium Lamp / Bulb $14.00 |
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250-400 Watt High Press Sodium Ballast Starter Ignitor $14.00 |
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400 watt High Pressure Sodium Ballast, reflector, and bulb $14.99 |
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400 watt High Pressure Sodium and Metal Halide Ballast, reflector, and bulb $14.99 |
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1000 Watt High Pressure Sodium Ballast Starter Ignitor $15.00 |
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SYLVANIA HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM-LU100 BALLAST S54 N.I.B. $15.75 |
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GE LUCALOX 100 WATT HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM BULB LOT OF TWO NEW S/54 BALLAST $15.95 |
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SYLVANIA Lumalux High Pressure Sodium Lamp LU250 #67578-0 Ballast S50 NIB $15.99 |
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New Advance 71A8291 250 Watt High Pressure Sodium Ballast Multitap Voltage $18.00 |
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New Universal S250MLTAC4M 250 Watt High Pressure Sodium Ballast Multitap Voltage $18.00 |
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Slyvania LU70 Lumalux High Pressure Sodium Lamp Ballast S62 (67512-2) New $18.38 |
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TWO (2) 100W S-54 HP Sodium Advance Core & Coil Ballast Kit # 71A8071-001D ~ NOS $18.77 |
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Advance Ballast 71A8107 Reactor Ballast High Pressure Sodium $18.99 |
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Universal Lighting HPS High Pressure Sodium HX-HPF Ballast 100W S-54 Lamp NEW! $19.99 |
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Advance Transformer Ballast 71A8091 100W S54 HX-HPF Sodium,L1551-H4 Lamp Ignitor $19.99 |
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Advance 70 watt HP Sodium 120 – 277 volt ( Two Ballast Kits) $20.00 |
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GENERAL ELECTRIC GES250ML5AA4-5 HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM 5-TAP BALLAST-NEW $20.00 |
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UNIVERSAL 1230-32S-500-K HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM BALLAST KIT $20.00 |
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GE 87214-GES250ML5AC4-5 HIGHPRESSURE SODIUM BALLAST NIB $20.00 |
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IPP HID BALLAST KIT -High Pressure Sodium 100W 120V NEW $21.00 |
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HID BALLAST KIT -High Pressure Sodium 100W 120V NEW $21.00 |
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ADVANCE 71A8472-301 400W HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM BALLAST KIT-NEW $23.00 |
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150W HPS HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM BALLAST BRAND NEW!! $23.89 |
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NEW 100 watt high pressure sodium ballast kit multi tap Lowest price on ebay HPS $23.99 |
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High Pressure Sodium Ballast Kit Capacitor 250W QuadTap $24.00 |
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70w High Pressure Sodium HPS HID Ballast 120v $24.69 |
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BRS100 R 100 WATT NPF HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM BALLAST KIT $24.90 |
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NEW 150 watt high pressure sodium ballast multi tap complete kit – HPS – S-55 $24.99 |
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Advance 71A7801-001D 50 Watt HP Sodium Core and Ballast Kit $25.00 |
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IPP HID BALLAST KIT – High Pressure Sodium 50W 120V NEW $25.00 |
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New Jefferson 407-0250-04T 250W High Pressure Sodium Quad Tap S50 Ballast $25.99 |
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100 Watt Ballast Kit High Pressure Sodium S54 120V $26.00 |
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250W High Pressure Sodium Ballast Kit Capacitor QuadTap $26.00 |
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35w High Pressure Sodium HPS HID Ballast 120v $26.09 |
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GE HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM S15048TLC3M -5GEK 150W BALLAST $26.35 |
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100w High Pressure Sodium HPS HID Ballast 120v $27.83 |
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150w watt high pressure sodium ballast kit 120v S55 NEW $28.95 |
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SOLA E-SZA00W100 HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM BALLAST 100W ***NIB*** $29.00 |
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Magnetek 1230-32S-500-K HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM BALLAST KIT $29.00 |
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espen thcnology 50w 120/208/240/277 volts high pressure sodium new ballast kit $29.32 |
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400 watt High Pressure Sodium and Metal Halide Ballast, reflector, and bulb $29.95 |
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ADVANCE 71A7801-001D 50 WATT 120/277 VOLT CORE & COIL BALLAST KIT HP SODIUM $29.99 |
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Venture Lighting V90D1912 High Pressure Sodium Ballast 400W S51 $29.99 |
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Brand NEW NIB Core & Coil Ballast Kit 71A8041-001D S-54 HP Sodium 480V Input $29.99 |
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Advance LI501-H4-IC 150 Watt High Pressure Sodium Ballast Ignitor NEW! LI501H4IC $29.99 |
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3-GE High pressure sodium ballast replacement kits 150 Watt 120 VAC S55 Lamp $30.00 |
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Deltona Lighting High Pressure Sodium Ballast 150 watt $30.00 |
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Howard S0070-71C-511-K – High Pressure Sodium Ballast 70 watt multi tap 120 277v $30.00 |
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GE S70MLTLC3M -5GEK HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM BALLAST NIB $30.00 |
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S0070-71C-511-K 70W High Pressure Sodium Ballast Kit $30.00 |
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35 Watt Ballast Kit High Pressure Sodium S76 120V $31.50 |
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IPP HID BALLAST KIT – High Pressure Sodium 70W 120V NEW $32.00 |
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HID BALLAST KIT – High Pressure Sodium 70W 120V NEW $32.00 |
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Baldwin-Hall High Pressure Sodium Ballast #RDA021 $32.00 |
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600w HPS GROW LAMP 600 watt SODIUM Lights w Hydroponics Bulbs digital ballast ok $32.45 |
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150w High Pressure Sodium HPS HID Ballast 120v $32.45 |
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NEW 250 watt high pressure sodium ballast multi tap complete kit – HPS – S-50 $32.99 |
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ADVANCE CORE AND COIL BALLAST KIT 71A7971-001D 1-70W S62HP SODIUM NEW IN BOX $33.00 |
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50 Watt Ballast Kit High Pressure Sodium S68 120 Volt $33.00 |
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150 Watt Ballast Kit High Pressure Sodium S55 120V $33.40 |
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50w High Pressure Sodium HPS HID Ballast 120v $33.48 |
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GE H175MLTAC3M -5GEK HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM 150W BALLAST $33.75 |
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35 Watt High Pressure Sodium Ballast Kit S76 120V $33.80 |
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Universal 12210-236-C-TC 50W S68 HPS F-Can Ballast 277/120v high pressure sodium $33.99 |
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Advance Transformers 71A7971-001D 70 Watt S-62 High Pressure Sodium Ballast Kit $34.20 |
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1 New UNIVERSAL S100MLTLC3M-500K HP SODIUM MAGNETIC BALLAST Kit For 100W S54 $34.50 |
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70 Watt High Pressure Sodium Ballast Kit S62 Quad Tap $34.80 |
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400 watt High Pressure Sodium and Metal Halide Ballast $34.95 |
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Universal 12210-261-C-TC High Pressure Sodium Ballast $34.95 |
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Magnetek S250MLTAC4M-500K 60Hz 120V/208V/240V/277V High Pressure Sodium Ballast $34.99 |
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Universal S70MLTLC3M-500K Ballast for (1) 70W S62 High Pressure Sodium Lamp $34.99 |
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70 Watt Ballast Kit High Pressure Sodium S62 120V $35.00 |
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Magnetek EL0230, 110V, 400W, SODIUM LAMP BALLAST, NEW, OLD STOCK $35.00 |
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Universal Lighting HPS High Pressure Sodium HX-HPF Ballast 100W S-54 Lamp NEW! $35.00 |
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GE S150MLTLC3M -5GEK HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM 150W BALLAST $36.37 |
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100 Watt High Pressure Sodium Ballast Kit S54 120 Volt $36.50 |
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70 Watt Ballast Kit High Pressure Sodium S62 4-Tap $37.50 |
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400 watt High Pressure Sodium Ballast, reflector, and bulb $37.95 |
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Lot of 3 Advance 71A8007 100W S54 High Pressure Sodium Ballast Kit + Extra Items $38.49 |
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Universal Lighting High Pressure Sodium 150w Ballast $39.00 |
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70w High Pressure Sodium HPS HID Ballast 120v – 277v $39.11 |
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SuperLIFE Lamp – 1000 watt HID High Pressure Sodium Bulb for ANSI ballast S52 $39.60 |
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50w High Pressure Sodium HPS HID Ballast 120v – 277v $39.64 |
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400 watt high pressure sodium and metal halide ballast, reflector, and bulb kit $39.95 |
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GE 100W 120V ASM High Pressure Sodium Ballast for HPS GE 35-96284 $39.95 |
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HYDROFARM 1000 WATT BALLAST FOR HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM GROW LIGHT $39.99 |
