250Watt electornic Mh ballast....IceCap or Reef Brite?

[wetWolger]

My PFO 250watt ballast seems to have failed. So I am looking to replace it. It will work next to a 400watt PFO magnetic ballast. The hope is that it will look _close_ to the other bulb.

But the main concern is, which is the better ballast?
http://www.marinedepot.com/IceCap_2...s-IceCap-IC3111-FILTACBAMHTFEB-IC3161-vi.html

http://premiumaquatics.com/store/me...uct_Code=RB-MHB250&Category_Code=reefbrite-mh

Any difference? What would you recommend?

And finally...any advice, or resources on how I need to change the wiring I used on my PFO to work with one of these ballast (i did not wire the PFO setup originally)?

Thanks lots in advanced!

 

[mattsummers]

icecap makes great ballast and easy to follow wiring diagram

 

[wetWolger]

Yea...I figured IceCap was a pretty safe choice from what I have heard around here. But I have not heard much about the Reef Brite ballast before. I did some small amounts of googling, and saw that they have some nice features. But no idea on quality. I was hoping that there may be some Reef Brite users that can chime in too? Or should I keep it simple and just go with the IceCap?

 

[LUCKY42032]

I just bought 2 new IceCap 250 watt ballasts and they work great. I also have a few IceCap 660s that I have had for years. Never had a problem with them.

 

[reef_doug]

I would widen your options to include Lumatek adjustable or Galaxy. What bulb are you using?

 

[tygger]

When my coralvue ballasts died, I replaced them with Lumateks and couldn't be happier. I was also considering Ice Caps at the time. I'm sure you couldn't go wrong with either.

 

[wetWolger]

I looked at the Lumatek's...but I can't imagine me ever changing these 250's to 400watts...and did not see any other benefit that kept me looking. Considering I wont be going to 400's...should I still look at Lumatek?

 

[grigsy]

1. What bulb are you planning on running?

2. What is the problem you are having with the PFO ballast? I have a PFO ballast and it works great. It could be a very easy fix such as replacing the switch or replacing the capacitor. At most, that will set you back $5 - $28.

 

[wetWolger]

Right now I am using hamilton 14k bulbs...but I would actually like to change that if I go to an electronic ballast.

Is there any way to test the capacitor without just replacing it? I don't know what is wrong with the ballast besides I flip the switch, and it does not hum or do anything, I have verified the wiring and the bulb by switching the output to the other 250bulb.

Thanks for all the help and responses so far

 

[wetWolger]

bump....looking for a bit more input, sorry for bumping