Ballast for VHO lighting

[dnyce]

I purchased a used setup with 2-24 inch vho lights 75w each and 2-36 inch vho lights 95w each. total watts =340(4bulbs). I was told I could get a ballast from home depot and I would like to know if anyone is familiar with the hd ballast, because the Icecap is expensive. If I had to use icecap could I use the 430(320watts) or do I have to use the 660 (440 watts). Thanks

 

[SeanT]

You would have to use the 660.
The 430's maximum watts is 330 watts.
I believe the home depot ballast is the "workhorse" don't quote me on that but do a search for that name and go back a year.
You should find something.

hth,
Sean

 

[Entropy]

You could use two of these. $36 each + shipping.

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/categories/lighting/100103.html

 

[dnyce]

Thanks, I may have to bite the bullet and get the Icecap 660. It seems like the better solution. I was hoping someone knew about the home depot ballast that I was told about. btw the bulbs are 2-24" 1-super actinic and 1- actinic white 50/50 and 2-36" 1-super actinic and 1- actinic white 50/50. I plan on doing fowlr, maybe some corals. Is this light setup suffient, good, or overkill? the tank is a 120g reef ready

 

[Entropy]

Fine for FOWLR, a little low for corals IMO. You would be better off going with 4x110w VHO if you plan on getting the IC660, or go with a 6 bulb T5 setup (6x54w). Assuming you only have the bulbs and endcaps, you entry price is going to be expensive either way, so you might want to consider the T5's with triad ballasts.