Anybody use ARO ballasts?

[drbronx]

I'm about to change my lighting scheme on my 125 and I am shopping for 250w electronic ballasts. Hellolights.com sells ARO ballasts for $99 which is $30 cheaper than the tried and true comparable Ice Cap ballasts. they also sell VHO retro ballasts kits quite cheaply compared to Ice Cap. I was wondering if anyone here has firsthand experience or secondhand knowledge of these products. Also, I will soon be offering upm a two-years used PFO dual 400w magnetic ballast for sale if anyone has interest.

 

[sedorusc]

I ran a 250 watt aro ballast on my 72. I liked it. never had a problem firing up. small and easy to conceal.

 

[fatrip]

sedorusc, how was the heat coming form them??

 

[sedorusc]

not bad actually.

 

[drbronx]

Cool, thanx. Anybody else? Sedorusc: Do they use a rapid disconnect plug or do they get wired in? A couple o0f others PM'd me and told me they like them so I, being the frugal reefer, may just give them a try.

 

[Piazzon12]

you have to buy a power cord (x2)... not sure about the lamp wiring though

 

[sedorusc]

I had to wire them. you could probably get a quick disconnect from them or lowes or home depot. when I ordered mine from them I got an entire package. ballast, reflector, bulb and wiring. I think you do have to purchase a power cord as well if memory serves me right.

 

[fatrip]

is it like a normal computer plug? or is it special. if it is a normal plug (Jerry) dont by them ill get you some from work.

 

[sedorusc]

I believe just the normal two wire plug. two prong. have to ask someone with one currently. I sold mine to landolakes. you could ask him if he still has it running.

 

[sedorusc]

actually grounded plug is $3.50 extra.

 

[fatrip]

yea if it URL aproved it has to be a normal style 3 prong computer plug. if you need them jerry i've got some heavy duty ones.

 

[razzmatazz]

mine run as cooler than the ice cap I have. Love how they run any bulb unlike my Ice Cap.

 

[drbronx]

Great info!! Thanx all. I may take you up on the plugs Vince. I'll see what they recommend.