OK maybe a dumb question but here goes...

Hey guys, this might sound dumb but are all 400W HPS bulbs compatible with all 400W ballasts or do I have to match up the brand of ballast with the brand of bulb?

nflguy said:

Hey guys, this might sound dumb but are all 400W HPS bulbs compatible with all 400W ballasts or do I have to match up the brand of ballast with the brand of bulb?

Click to expand...

NO... There are ballasts for HPS and ballasts for MH and ballasts that do both. If you have one that does both, it should work with any bulb.

Magnet ballasts are either for MH or HPS, but not both. Electronic or digital ballasts can power both MH or HPS. The brand is not relevant.

nope my magnetic ballast does both mh and hps it has a switch

I stand corrected. I totally forgot about switchable ballasts.

on the other hand if it were brand names you were asking about then no they do not matter.

To be more specific...I have a digital, dimmable 400 watt ballast made by Apollo which can run either MH or HPS. MY question is do I need to use Apollo bulbs or can I use any other brand? Thanks

any