Metal Halide Ballast?

[stacerbean]

We are starting to look into buying some new ballast for the 90g we are putting together. So the question it what brands work the best? We are looking at moving up to a 250w ballast.

Mr. Stacerbean

 

[Steve_Aquarius]

If they are the newer version, Ice Caps are good. I had the older version 175w, and they didn't restart after a power outage. Not sure if that would effect you, but where I am, I lose power often, so having a ballast with a "restart" circuit was a must.

 

[stacerbean]

Ok, good to know.

Another question - what's really the difference between double-ended bulbs and mogul? Are they worth the price difference?

 

[Steve_Aquarius]

I have a hood that had 175w SE, but if I had the option to change or start over, I'd go with DE. I never had DE's, so hopefully someone else will chime in, but from what I've read, most use them.

I know that DE's need a UV shield (glass over the lights)

Here's a couple of links with good reading..

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=624185

 

[Eel-byte]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8924192#post8924192 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Steve_Aquarius
If they are the newer version, Ice Caps are good. I had the older version 175w, and they didn't restart after a power outage. Not sure if that would effect you, but where I am, I lose power often, so having a ballast with a "restart" circuit was a must.

I had my power flicker out once or twice and had the ice cap not come back on. But then sometimes it would. I think the bulb might have some kind of a factor with this issue (new bulb?). I've had my ice cap going on 2+years now without any issues. If it came down to replacing this ballast I would definitely buy another ice cap.

I tried using Sanjay's calculator for the performance of bulb and ballast and he didn't have the option for the Hamilton 250watt DE

 

[stacerbean]

When I look at cost savings, no matter the bulb, Ice Cap seems the way to go.

I still don't get what the fuss is about with the double ended bulb. When I compare energy usage between the mogul vs DE I see the same amount of usage unless I'm using the tables wrong. also

 

[Eel-byte]

I'm not toally sure, but the double ended is supposed to spread the light better? More intensity? If this is Rob you sign up with your own user account

 

[mtfatwork]

DE lights are also supposed to have a higher par output, so many DE 250 watt lights are comparable to the light intensity of a SE 400 watt.

 

[stacerbean]

Ah, ok. That helps.

From the Premium Aquatics website - "The Double Ended bulbs have been used in Europe for many years. They are just now catching on in the USA. They offer a more clean color spectrum and last longer. They can be installed in less space. They do require HQI ballasts to run and they are only available in full hoods or mini-pendant fixtures. "

What is the length of life with a HQI? A typical mogul bulb should be changed after 9 months, yes?

 

[Thefilterguys]

The Icecap ballasts will reset and refire on your new Reefkeeper 2 after 20 minutes so that's not an issue. As I said the Reefkeeper is the best thing I have added to my tank and not just because I sell them.

Double ended bulbs produce better lighting hands down but stick with the 10 or 14K bulbs.

Jim

 

[kalelin38]

Okay Josh, I will try to log on under my account before posting from now on.

P.S. I found a couple of used 250W Icecap Ballast on the used equipment board at a great price.

 

[kalelin38]

Well the Ballast arrived today and we decide to go with doulble-ended bulbs. Need to find some pendants to hook up to the ballast now.