Mercury Vapor light morass

Correct me if this isn't the best place for this topic. I recently began to develop a mercury vapor light setup for attracting moths. Currently, I'm plugging into the house using an extension cord because I don't have a generator (yet). I ordered a 160-watt medium (E26) base bulb. Turns out it was a coated bulb. I've gotten okay results with it so far, but the site I consulted advises using clear bulbs.

I now have two 175-watt clear mercury vapor bulbs. I have a medium (E26)-to-mogul (E39) base reducer so that the bulbs can screw into my lamp. I discovered that rig wasn't working because such bulbs require a ballast. Maybe I will have to purchase one and wire it myself. Maybe I have no idea what I'm talking about.

Bottom line: Hopefully some moth enthusiasts here can pass some hardware secrets on, particularly relating to light fixtures. Thanks for any help!

MB

Contributed by Miles Buddy on 31 July, 2019 - 9:59pm

another source

I have purchased lighting systems over the years through BioQuip Products, a nice online source for all things bugs! I purchased both a 175 watt and 250 watt system from them for my portable set-ups, including weather protection for the bulbs. The lights have been reliably lighting for years and replacement bulbs are available. The company is customer service oriented. They are at bioquip.com

… Marcia Morris, 26 August, 2019 - 5:40am

175-w MV

I doubt that you will see much, if any, differences in catch between the 2 bulbs.
Perhaps the easiest way for the 175-watt is to buy an entire fixture as sold for home-owners dusk-to dawn lamp:
https://www.amazon.com/Dusk-dawn-Security-Light-Mercury/product-reviews/B003SGNTJ2

… A.W. Thomas, 1 August, 2019 - 8:13am

Disclaimer: Dedicated naturalists volunteer their time and resources here to provide this service. We strive to provide accurate information, but we are mostly just amateurs attempting to make sense of a diverse natural world. If you need expert professional advice, contact your local extension office.

Contributors own the copyright to and are solely responsible for contributed content.
Click the contributor's name for licensing and usage information.
Everything else copyright © 2003-2024 Iowa State University, unless otherwise noted.

Bugguide is hosted by: