VHO ARO Ballast (AS-220)

Item Code: AS220

Features:

* ARO brand AS-220 VHO ballast, will power up to 220W or two 48" bulbs! This ballast will not run bulbs longer than 48".
* Designed to power two VHO lamps.
* Parallel connection allows you to operate only 1 lamp if desired! Also, unlike most other VHO ballast, if 1 lamp burns out, the other one will continue to run. Note: both lamps must be on/off at the same time, there's no way to operate them independently.
* Add additional supplemental lighting to your aquarium, or upgrade to Very High Output lighting for a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new system.
* Highly efficient electronic ballast, no annoying hum like other magnetic ballasts.
* Small compact design.
* Wiring diagram on the ballast.
* Model #AS-220 raw ballast only. Powercord, endcaps and lamps sold separately.
* We strongly recommend that you purchase the Endcap Mounts if you do NOT buy one of our reflectors, and plan on using the 3 Piece German Endcaps with this ballast. You will need the mounts in order to securely attach your VHO endcaps to a flat surface. See inset picture (beneath the "Email This Page" link) for example.
* You can wire these directly to the 3 piece VHO endcaps we sell, or extend the ballast wires with 18G wire and wire nuts (not provided).
* Optional reflectors are 10" wide and 2" high (the length is listed), and will accommodate up to 4 VHO bulbs.
* Optional VHO endcaps are sold in TWO pairs for $19.50, thus you will get 4 endcaps total if you add them onto your order via the drop down boxes above.
* Note: If you order a reflector, be sure the VHO lamps you select are the same length, or they will not fit. ie. if you order 24" bulbs, you will need to order a 24" reflector.

* Ballast does NOT work with our VHO 2 Lamp, 3 Lamp or 4 Lamp harnesses. You have to wire endcaps to this raw ballast.

Dimensions:

9 3/4"L x 1 5/8"W x 1 1/8"H

Whats in the box:

1- AS220 Ballast

Availability:

Usually ships same business day

Warranty:

1 year Hellolights warranty

More Info:

Note: For maximum longevity and safety, wire ballast away from heat or humidity sources.
* Do NOT use 60" or 72" bulbs, as this will fail the ballast and void warranty.

ARO AS-220 Ballast Specs
Maximum Power: 220 Watts
Maximum Current: 1.82 AMP (120vac)
Operating Voltage: 120 VAC 10%
Black, White Wires: 18" Long From Case
Red, Blue, Yellow, Brown Wires: 18" Long From Case
Ballast Weight: 18.5 OZ
High Power Factor: > .90
Ballast Min. Operating Temp.: -20F (-30C)
Ballast Maximum case Temp. : 158F (70C)
Ballast Lamp Starting Mode: Raid Start (better than Instant Start for the bulbs)
Class P (Thermal) Sound Rating - A
End of Life Protection: No EOL Circuit

Warning: To avoid damage to your system, make sure the lamps are seated firmly into their endcaps. Any connection that is not made firm can result in an ARC, potentially causing damage/failure to your system. If you are not sure how to properly install anything, please call us toll free at 866-969-7333 or 866-WOW-REEF. Damage caused by an arc is not covered under warranty.
* Caution: This ballast must be housed in an area sealed off from any moisture, humidity or evaporation of your aquarium. Failure to do so will void warranty.

FAQ:
Q. How would I run only 1 lamp on this ballast?
A. Just wire up 1 lamp per the wiring diagram, and safely cap off the wires for the other lamp using wire nuts. This would allow you to run a single lamp.
Q. Why are the wires coming out of the ballast silver, are they aluminum?
A. No. The wires coming out of the ballast are copper coated with tin (like solder). Although they are silver in color, they are not aluminum, but rather solid copper covered with tin.
Q. Can I run T5 HO (High Output) lamps on this? I saw another raw ballast on another site, and it claims to 'run anything'.
A. Well, don't let all the misinformation out there confuse you. This ballast will "run" all those lamps in the question above, however, it's not recommended for T5 due to performance degradation. Sure, the AS-220 will light those lamps, but you will not get the performance out the lights that you think you are getting. Remember, if it claims to "do it all", be wary. With lighting, you should use the proper ballasts to drive the lamps they were designed for. This will give you the best possible performance for your aquarium.