Old Icecap MH Ballast + Radium = Bad?

lesd · 11/13/2009, 10:37 PM

Want to get some feedback on this. I have a couple of older 250W Icecap electronic ballasts that I bought in 2002.

I recently decided to switch from DE 10K halides to the mogul 20K Radiums. Then I saw a thread somewhere that seemed to indicate that older Icecap ballasts had a problem driving Radiums and severely shorten the lifespan. (4 months?!?)

Anyone out there have experience with older Icecap ballasts and 250W Radiums?

Thanks,
Les

James77 · 11/13/2009, 10:40 PM

They will run it fine, but not to its spec wattage- no electronic will. The M80(HQI) ballasts are the only that will. It will reduce its life and out put some, IDK how long you will get out of them, but it will be alot more than 4 months.

11/13/2009, 10:37 PM	#1
lesd Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 134	Old Icecap MH Ballast + Radium = Bad? Want to get some feedback on this. I have a couple of older 250W Icecap electronic ballasts that I bought in 2002. I recently decided to switch from DE 10K halides to the mogul 20K Radiums. Then I saw a thread somewhere that seemed to indicate that older Icecap ballasts had a problem driving Radiums and severely shorten the lifespan. (4 months?!?) Anyone out there have experience with older Icecap ballasts and 250W Radiums? Thanks, Les

11/13/2009, 10:40 PM	#2
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	They will run it fine, but not to its spec wattage- no electronic will. The M80(HQI) ballasts are the only that will. It will reduce its life and out put some, IDK how long you will get out of them, but it will be alot more than 4 months. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater