Used balast question - do they lose intensity?

P

Pneumatic

I see a lot of used HM setups and I always just figure in the cost of a bulb. However, I have a question about the balasts...

Do balasts "fade" over time or are they either on or off? What I mean is, if you have a 2 year old balast and a brand new balast (same make and model) would they provide the same light intensity and color spectrum?

Is it wise to buy a setup that is more than a couple of years old?
 
I believe they lose intensity. I know with bulbs, the older they get, I've heard, it's best to lower them towards the water as they lose intensity.

I wouldn't buy a ballast that old. You'd just have to be ready to buy another one soon after buying the used one.
 
Overall, a 250 watt electronic ballast will deliver 250 watts of power to the bulb. That should be the case one or two years from the date of manufacture.

If I remember right, you may lose a small amount of efficiency if the unit operates at extreme temperatures for extended periods of time.
 
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