Hamilton VS PFO's

[ever818]

well I am getting ready to buy some more lights
I have 3 150 DE w/an electronic ballast I don't like the color
from an electronic ballast,
I even got 14k's in them but they look like 5000K's they tell me because my ballast r electronic well I have decided to buy new lights for my fish tank again:mad2:
but I don't know what to get I do know that I want 250
n they have 2 b Hamilton or pfo



can you guys help me out in my decision on what to get


one more thing should I get DE or SE??



please help


this is my current set up

 

[Mchava]

never tried hamilton ballast but I did try the PFO's. All the ballast are the same inside but for some reason the pfo seem to be some of the better once. I like that way they are inclosed in side an aluminum case and not a metal case. If it was up to me I would go with pfo's. As far as DE or SE it your choice. se do have a larger selection of bubls but the DE are brighter and have a more compact foot print.

 

[psidriven]

I have a older PFO 150 DE Mag ballast. It has the hammertone reflector. Let me know if you want to do a side by side comparison before running out and spending a chunk of change on new lights. Currently running 14k Phoenix and have spare 10k bulb to compare with as well.

 

[JenDub]

I have used both hammys and pfo's. I agree with Mario, the pfo ballast box is much nicer than the hammy. I also use icecaps which are pretty nice but you have to buy a box for them (which has a pfo quick-disconnect).

For reflectors/DE or SE, I draw on advise from Gcarroll-the DE are more like a spotlight where the SE are more diffused (also depending on reflector shape/size). If I had to choose new lights I'd go with the SLS DE reflectors Mario uses on a pfo or icecap electronic ballast.

HTH =)

 

[JenDub]

PS-what bulbs have you tried in your 150's?

 

[golfish]

I've used the PFO, Hamilton and now Sunlight Supply..I like the heat sink(ballast box) on the SLS ballast much better.