Q & A

Welcome to the Planet Natural Garden Forum! Whether you’re new to gardening or have been at it for some time, here you can search existing messages for answers to your questions or post a new message for others to reply to. If this is your first visit, please read over our forum instructions carefully before posting. Enjoy!

March 7, 2007 at 12:48 am #13753

fungusamongus
Member

Potbound, the biggest difference between ballasts is that the old ones use copper coils that generate a whole bunch of noise and heat. They're also heavy. The new digital ballasts use electronic circuitry (no moving parts) that's much quieter, cooler and lighter.

Also, most digital ballasts will burn both HPS and MH bulbs, have faster start up times, and improve lamp life. I switched over to digitals about a year ago and haven't looked back.