65w unballasted CFL question

killak04

Active Member
Hey everybody! So i've frequented this forum quite a bit over the past few weeks, and i've got one question that I haven't been able to answer through tons of googling/searching. I recently acquired one of the 65w (300w incandescent equivalent) CFLs (the long, U shapes tube one) from TractorSupply. I was stoned when I purchased it and didn't realize it's a Mogul Socket bulb with no ballast. I have the cash to get one, but one problem.. I can't friggin figure out what to buy!!! I've called a few different stores and asked, nobody knows what i'm talking about for some reason (maybe i don't haha).

So here's the thing.. I have the above mentioned bulb, as well as a 100w MH that found its way into my pocket at lowes somehow :-D. I'm not entirely sure where to buy the stuff needed for that either, so whichever I can get turned on the cheapest would be awesome. I hate asking for help, but i'm stuck on this one. Thanks in advance!
 

I.AM.WEASEL

Active Member
Hey m8,

the CFL's have a ballast in them usually :S .... ive never seen them without. You 100 % sure its not got a ballast??
 

killak04

Active Member
Hey m8,

the CFL's have a ballast in them usually :S .... ive never seen them without. You 100 % sure its not got a ballast??

I'm 100% sure. Below are the bullet points listed on the box it came in. It lists a part# of L-765 for the bulb.

-Mogul Base
-8000 hour bulb life
-Operating Temperature -20 to 100 F
-White color 6300K
-Replacement bulb for L-2300
-Use only with ballasted 65W fixtures

I guess what I need to know, is where I can find a ballasted 65W fixture that will fit this bulb. I'm going to attempt to upload a pic of the bulb, let me know if you can't see it. Thanks for the reply!:blsmoke:
 

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TeaTreeOil

Well-Known Member
"Use only with ballasted 65W fixtures"

That looks unballasted. You'll need a ballast for it.

Yes, they make CFLs without built-in ballasts. You appear to have one.
 

killak04

Active Member
"Use only with ballasted 65W fixtures"

That looks unballasted. You'll need a ballast for it.

Yes, they make CFLs without built-in ballasts. You appear to have one.

Yea, it's UNballasted.. So anybody know where to find a ballast for it? and also, what else would be needed to get it working? I'm having no luck :-(
 

killak04

Active Member
You'll need a 65 watt ballast specifically. They seem to be around $30.

http://www.marineandreef.com/Current_USA_Satellite_Orbit_Replacement_Parts_s/29.htm

Never plug a ballasted bulb into a ballasted fixture.

Thanks for the replies everybody, I know you are trying to help me out but it's just not workin. I see the ballast you posted from marineandreef.com, but that doesn't get me where I need to be. I need to know what to get to get the lights on. Whichever would be cheapest to get going first, the 65w long u tube CFL or the 100w MH. I'm a first time grower so this is a big learning experience for me, sorry for any ignorance. I have attempted to do my research though and i'm having ZERO luck:cuss:
 

TeaTreeOil

Well-Known Member
You plug the ballast to the wall, then plug the bulb into the ballast's fixture.

Cost depends on if you DIY or buy a ballasted fixture.

They'd need two different types of ballasts.... I'd just buy already ballasted CFLs....
 
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