Icecap vs. Hamilton T5

[xr4kw]

Which is the better retrofit kit? It seems they are comparable in price. Looking at a 48" 4 bulb retrofit kit.

Anybody have an opinion?

Thanks...

 

[eshark]

Hamilton retrokit is assembled with a warrenty! Its ready to go!

 

[xr4kw]

After futher review it looks like the Icecap has individual reflectors where the Hamilton does not. Does this make a big difference? Icecap would be $50 more and I'd have to assemble my self. Is assembly difficult?

Thanks...

 

[levischilz]

hamilton has always had great product on there MH and PC line

I would not purchase there t5 setups they have not put much into them so far it seems.


Im running Hamiltons MH now and they have good customer service too. But Icecap has a better T5 setup more light output. Levi

 

[8BALL_99]

My understanding is Individual reflectors can give you as much as 30% more light so yeah I'd say it makes a difference. I bought my Retro kit from ReefGeek. I got Icecap reflectors but I didn't get their ballast since they overdrive the bulbs. I've heard mixed things on overdriving the bulbs.. Some say it doesn't decrease bulb life if you keep them cool others say it can cut is by half. I find it hard to believe that you can overdrive them with out any decrease in bulb life so I stick to standard T5 HO ballasts