EVC Tech Ballast? Reef Fanatic? (Retro Kits)

[Kaptain]

Looking at the 250 w MH retro from oceanencounter. Also looking at the 250 w MH retro from DIY reef.com with the Reef Fanatic electronic ballast. Any experience with these units? Price looks very good.

 

[Kaptain]

Follow up question - my tank is an open top. Do these need to be behind glass? I noticed these kits just come with a reflector.

 

[davebell24]

I have the EVC from Oceans Encounter for about 1.5 years now, no Problems. The owner Vince, is a good guy. He backs his products.
My top is also open, approx 10-12 inches, it shouldn't be a factor.
If you use glass, it will get too hot. Leave it open and run some fans to cool the top area.

 

[Kaptain]

do you have the EVC bulbs or did you go with another brand?

 

[mygirls]

I have two of their kits. One for about 1 yr the other about 1 month. I use their bulb for the first one and then changed to Hamilton for the second. The Hamilton seems whiter than the EVC bublb, but that bulb is older, burned in. THe bulb sit about 10" and do not use a glass cover, it gets to hot. HTH

 

[timr]

I have the EVC 14K 175 Watt Retro. Very nice system that is a year old without issue. I agree the bulb is a little on the blue side so I'm looking for something a little on the white side.

Check out Sanjay's studies. The EVC ballast holds up against all the others very well.