Dual Arc bulbs only run on a HPS or electronic ballast because the HPS element needs an igniter to fire.
FYI - HPS vs MH Ballasts. HPS ballast have an igniter and MH ballasts do not. That is the only difference. An igniter is an electrical component that ignites the sodium in the HPS bulb. All electrical ballasts can fire HPS bulbs.
Maximum Wattage Coverage 1000w = 5' x 5' 600w - 4' x 4' 400w = 3' x 3' 250w = 2' x 2' 150w/170w = 2' x 2'
High Pressure Sodium (HPS) vs Metal Halide (MH) - Think of the question in relationship to nature. MH bulbs are blue/white when you look at them, HPS bulbs are yellow/orange/red. At the end of winter when the light outside is a cool blue/white plants are starting to sprout and grow. During the summer when the light outside is a yellow/orange/red plants are fruiting/flowering. Use this as a guideline to making your choice.
Bulb to Ballast: HPS/MH Matching - High Pressure Sodium (HPS) bulbs can only be run off of HPS or digital ballasts. Metal Halide (MH) bulbs can only be run off of MH or digital ballasts. All ballasts on Greners.com say what bulbs they power with the convention: "MH", "HPS" or both: "HPS/MH".
Bulb to Ballast: Wattage Matching - The wattage of a bulb must match the output of the ballast. That is - 1000W to 1000W, 600W to 600W, etc. This is easy as all bulbs and ballast are clearly listed with their wattages. Fluorescent bulbs do not require a ballast. A T5 fluorescent will not fit in a hood designed for T8 or T12 bulbs (T8 and T12 bulbs are interchangeable). LED lights have a build in ballast unless they state otherwise.
Tips & Care > When you turn off your bulbs let them cool for 15 minutes before turning them back on. > Avoid getting oil or water from your hands on bulb glass. However, unless stated otherwise, bulbs may be handled with dry, clean hands.
Life Expectancy - The non-brand specific performance life-span average for a HPS or MH (high intensity discharge bulb known as HID) is one year. Their life span is longer, but they decrease in efficiency & output over time. This is just an average, models can vary greatly.
