magnetic or electronic ballasts

[sharky71]

For starting out, would it be better to get an electronic or magnetic ballast?

 

[bkwudzjeep]

Magnetics are cheaper, produce some heat but some make a humming noise.

Electronic are quiet and do not heat up, but cost a bit more. I have heard they are more prone to burn out quicker.

There are pro's and cons to each, and I have run both with no issues.

 

[samsfishnchips]

sharky71,

they both have their pros and cons

for starting example

want cheaper = magnetic

want one that uses less wattage = electronic

weight - light = electronic

heavy = magnetic

want it repairable even by yourself, long lasting = magnetic

ect, they are very different, and you and only you can decide which is best for you to start out

reason I choose magnetic on my current setup,
1.give me more par than elect.
2.bulb runs a perfect white with a hint of blue, what I like...
3.long term record

good luck with your choice,

sam

 

[sharky71]

are magnetic ballasts noiser than electronic ballasts? If there is that much difference in noise I'd prefer the electronic ballast.

 

[Entropy]

Are we talking about halides or VHO/T5/PC?

For halides their may be an arguement one way or the other, but for VHO/T5/PC, there really is no argument. E ballasts are better in pretty much every category except maybe cost, and it is close enough for it not to be a factor. For halides, it really depends on the ballast in question, and what bulb you plan to use. I use magentics for my halides, but only because I am too poor to switch to e ballasts at this time. If I could I would be running IceCaps since they drive the bulbs I am using (Iwasaki Aqua2's) better than what I am using now (PFO magnetics).

 

[sharky71]

I was thinking of getting this ballast- IceCap 250 Watt Electronic Metal Halide/ HQI Ballast

What do you think?

 

[bkwudzjeep]

I'd say it's a good choice! You can run HQI or mogul on that ballast too if it's one of the newer models.

 

[samsfishnchips]

if you want electronic, icecap makes good ballast with good warranty,

sam

 

[dwdenny]

Also need to think about what bulb you will be running some have better PAR on E-Ballast and some run better on Magnetic. At least that is what I have seen on Sanjays light site.

 

[samsfishnchips]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6891859#post6891859 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dwdenny
Also need to think about what bulb you will be running some have better PAR on E-Ballast and some run better on Magnetic. At least that is what I have seen on Sanjays light site.

can you show me an example, thx

I haven't seem an electronic ballast outperform a mag ballast yet, specially HQI one,

sam

 

[surfnvb7]

...

can you show me an example, thx

check out the new 175w Iwasaki Aqua2 14k bulb. On sanjays test, the icecap outperformed the magnetic ballast in par and overall efficiency. its at the bottom. http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/12/review/view?searchterm=

also, no one mentioned that magnetic ballasts overdrive the bulbs, decreasing their life span, depending on the type of bulb

 

[dwdenny]

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/ Just look at the color temps and choose one and look.

 

[PaulErik]

Most MH lamps will not be overdriven if you use the correct type magnetic ballast.

Most magnetic ballasts are designed to strict specifications to assure optimal and reliable performance.