Best E-ballast for Metal Halide

[Dustin_p]

I'm sure this has been covered a thousand times. But I can't seem to use the search function.

I plan on running two XM 15k, but I might change my mind too.

Looks like there are only a few e-ballast to chose from.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...idProduct~SL1631~idCategory~FILTACBAMHTF.html

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...Product~IC3161~idCategory~FILTACBAMHTFEB.html

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...idProduct~LK1115~idCategory~FILTACBAMHTF.html

 

[Smitty750]

I got 2 400w Blueline E-Ballasts if u want em! If not check these guys out. I think u get 10% off to

Blueline
http://www.championlighting.com/home.php?cat=539


IceCap
http://www.championlighting.com/home.php?cat=597

 

[46FiatYamaha]

I couldn't check your links, but I have these http://www.aquacave.com/coralvue-250w-single-metal-brhalide-electronic-ballast-386.html and work great for me, no problems at all

 

[grigsy]

I would go with an Ice Cap. Just my take, but of the MH electronic ballasts that I have NOT had issues with (many MH electronic ballasts are very finicky), the Ice Cap & ARO seemed most reliable.

Also, if you are going with an XM blue bulb, go with their 20K (good bulb) - much higher PAR then the XM 15K bulb (BAD bulb)

 

[ojafri]

+1 for Ice Cap

 

[x2uranium]

Aro is great. + Cheap too

 

[sditch]

Lumetek is a proven ballest that convinced me to get rid of my Dual PFO M80 ballest.....

 

[Garage1217]

I run coravue ballasts, they are well built & have been 100% reliable so far for me. The dimmable versions are quite a novelty item and cool if you want to acclimate your tank to the increase in light. Other than that, I do not see a reason to use a dimmer on them.

I hear Lumatek has the best current warranty available which is a major factor. Coravue has a 3 year, Lumatek a 3 year + 2 year pro-rated.

I hear great things about the ice cap as well. Overall from the tests, not much difference between all the electronic ballasts so I guess price + warranty would be the main factor for most & were the main factors for me.

 

[reefdude135]

Re: Best E-ballast for Metal Halide

Originally posted by Dustin_p
I'm sure this has been covered a thousand times. But I can't seem to use the search function.

I plan on running two XM 15k, but I might change my mind too.

Looks like there are only a few e-ballast to chose from.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...idProduct~SL1631~idCategory~FILTACBAMHTF.html

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...Product~IC3161~idCategory~FILTACBAMHTFEB.html

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewI...idProduct~LK1115~idCategory~FILTACBAMHTF.html

I would rethink those bulbs. The XM 15k is kinda their black sheep of the product line. Both the 10k and 20k are MUCH better bulbs. If you want a more blue color, the 20k rocks,and it has more par than the 15k!

Also, the XM bulbs seem to work best on magnetic ballasts. I'd consider the Hamilton 14k... its par is pretty strong on electronic ballasts, and the color is sweet too.