Galaxy Ballast vs Icecap

jknecht · 10/11/2007, 03:50 PM

I'm getting ready to purchase lights for a new 240G and I'm wondering if anyone has done a side by side comparison of the SLS Galaxy 250MH Ballast vs an Icecap 250MH ballast? I currently use two Icecap 250MH Ballasts with ReefOptix III's on my 90G and love them. I'm going to use Lumenmax III's on the 240 and am thinking of switching to Galaxy's just for the ease of wiring (plug & play). However I don't want to lose quality. Thanks for the help.

gcarroll · 10/11/2007, 05:11 PM

The Galaxy ballast has proved that not all e-ballasts are created equally! Best part is that they are plug and play and available in dual ballasts configuration for a nice, easy, clean installation.

oct2274 · 10/11/2007, 05:15 PM

i'm not sure i heard right, but i think the galaxy ballasts will overdrive bulbs sorta like HQI ballasts

gcarroll · 10/11/2007, 05:21 PM

the galaxy ballast will run the bulb to closer to European HQI specs and not underdrive it like the icecap and other e ballasts.

Paulairduck · 10/11/2007, 07:58 PM

The galaxy ballast's are great, create very little heat, they can run any bulb and they are easy to setup with the quick diconnect cords. I have two and love em.

jman77 · 10/11/2007, 09:02 PM

I've read more than a few post regarding the newer style Icecaps having problems... I was going to purchase a pair of those , but now I don't know what to do

jman77 · 10/11/2007, 09:03 PM

gcarroll,

How do you know the galaxy run the bulbs closer to HQI Specs ?

baldgeek · 10/11/2007, 09:34 PM

Would be interested to know if there is any Sanjay-type info on how well these drive bulbs. I was under the impression that generally speaking, e-ballasts, while be less expensive to operate, don't produce the same par values that mag ballasts do when driving the same bulb. Not trying to start a religious war here, just wondering what peoples' experience has been.

jman77 · 10/12/2007, 06:09 AM

yes it would be good to know

jknecht · 10/12/2007, 03:02 PM

I found the following thread where Sanjay was asked if he had tested the Galaxy ballast.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1212376

Here was Sanjay's response:

"No, I have not. It has been my expereince that there is very little difference between the electronic ballasts.

sanjay."

billgraf · 10/12/2007, 09:06 PM

I just set up 2 -250 watt gallaxy ballast and I could not be happier.
Plus they look good

MJAnderson · 10/12/2007, 09:07 PM

I have one as well and really like it. Stays cool and runs like a champ.

baldgeek · 10/12/2007, 10:24 PM

Excellent. Good to know. I think then when these get a little longer in the tooth, they are gonna go bye bye.

Chris@IceCap · 10/12/2007, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gcarroll
the galaxy ballast will run the bulb to closer to European HQI specs and not underdrive it like the icecap and other e ballasts.

Greg,

IceCap ballasts are also plug and play!

Also, you are incorrect about IceCap ballasts underdriving bulbs, where are you getting this info from???

Chris
IceCap Inc.

Chris@IceCap · 10/12/2007, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jman77
I've read more than a few post regarding the newer style Icecaps having problems... I was going to purchase a pair of those , but now I don't know what to do

Jman,

This is news to me, please direct me to all of these posts you have read about our new ballast having problems.

Chris
IceCap Inc.

Ty1e · 10/15/2007, 01:15 PM

the gallaxy is great i have one 250watt running my Mh lummen max pendant driving a aquaconnect 14k.

kysard1 · 10/15/2007, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chris@IceCap
Greg,

IceCap ballasts are also plug and play!

Also, you are incorrect about IceCap ballasts underdriving bulbs, where are you getting this info from???

Chris
IceCap Inc.

Its right on Sanjay's test results webpage.

Do you honestly think people on here are that ignorant?

An e-ballast does not run a DE bulb to the full wattage of HQI specs. Only an M80 ballast does.

I doubt the galaxy is any different.

Chris@IceCap · 10/15/2007, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kysard1
Its right on Sanjay's test results webpage.

Do you honestly think people on here are that ignorant?

An e-ballast does not run a DE bulb to the full wattage of HQI specs. Only an M80 ballast does.

I doubt the galaxy is any different.

HQI specs of ballasts or lamps? Please provide me with the HQI data specifications that you are refering to.

Are you refering to Sanjay's test results of our new MH ballasts or the previous version?

I never suggested that anyone is ignorant, but I do have 20 years of experience in the lighting industry. I would surely not challange you on your knowledge of Chemicals!

Chris
IceCap Inc.

kysard1 · 10/15/2007, 07:34 PM

A good summary is here:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/sj/index.php

Any electronic ballast underdrives the lamp as can be seen with Sanjay's test results here:

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

This doesn't mean that an e-ballast is bad, Par per watt may be just as good. But in no case will an HQI bulb be as bright on an e-ballast as with an M80 ballast.

kysard1 · 10/15/2007, 07:54 PM

dp

gcarroll · 10/15/2007, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chris@IceCap
Are you refering to Sanjay's test results of our new MH ballasts or the previous version?

Chris, is there a new Icecap ballast? What is the difference between it and the previous model? My earlier comments revolved around the previous ballast which was not plug and play.

Scissorhand · 10/21/2007, 11:20 AM

Chris, the non-plug-and-play Ice Cap ballast had difficulty firing XM 10K DE bulb. Can you confirm if this problem has been fixed with newer version?

Chris@IceCap · 10/22/2007, 06:35 AM

Yes there is a new IceCap ballast that was released in late Spring. This ballast is completely plug and play!

As far as problems firing XM lamps, IceCap's stance has always been that XM designed or manufactured this lamp incorrectly. About 3-6 months later XM corrected this problem and that was the end of it. BTW, the XM 10K DE didn't work on XM's/Hellolights branded ARO ballast either.

IceCap MH ballasts have always worked with every MH lamp in the aquarium marketplace. If a single lamp shows up that won't work with our ballast it's more than likely a lamp problem.

Chris
IceCap Inc.

gcarroll · 10/22/2007, 08:54 AM

Chris, other than being plug and play are there any other differences between the new and old Icecap ballasts.

CookieJar · 10/22/2007, 05:51 PM

Along the same lines, is there any comparison testing between the old & new 250W ballasts? I heard Sanjay did testing on the new one but I'm unsure if the 250W Icecap ballast info on his website is for the old ballast or if it's for the new ballast.

10/11/2007, 03:50 PM	#1
jknecht Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chicago - SW Suburbs Posts: 261	Galaxy Ballast vs Icecap I'm getting ready to purchase lights for a new 240G and I'm wondering if anyone has done a side by side comparison of the SLS Galaxy 250MH Ballast vs an Icecap 250MH ballast? I currently use two Icecap 250MH Ballasts with ReefOptix III's on my 90G and love them. I'm going to use Lumenmax III's on the 240 and am thinking of switching to Galaxy's just for the ease of wiring (plug & play). However I don't want to lose quality. Thanks for the help.

10/11/2007, 05:11 PM	#2
gcarroll Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 9,666	The Galaxy ballast has proved that not all e-ballasts are created equally! Best part is that they are plug and play and available in dual ballasts configuration for a nice, easy, clean installation. __________________ Greg Carroll I will be at REEF-A-PALOOZA! SPS = Stability Promotes Success Be wary of advice coming from those who will not show you the fruits of their success! Current Tank Info: building: 250g AGE Euro tank, Abyzz A200, Vertex Supra-G filtration, Ecotech Radion Pro LEDs, ...

10/11/2007, 05:21 PM	#4
gcarroll Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 9,666	the galaxy ballast will run the bulb to closer to European HQI specs and not underdrive it like the icecap and other e ballasts. __________________ Greg Carroll I will be at REEF-A-PALOOZA! SPS = Stability Promotes Success Be wary of advice coming from those who will not show you the fruits of their success! Current Tank Info: building: 250g AGE Euro tank, Abyzz A200, Vertex Supra-G filtration, Ecotech Radion Pro LEDs, ...

10/12/2007, 09:06 PM	#11
billgraf Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 54	I just set up 2 -250 watt gallaxy ballast and I could not be happier. Plus they look good __________________ Custom Made iPad Covers www.PaddyCase.com Current Tank Info: 120 gallon drilled tank, Aquacontroller Jr, 2-250 galaxy ballasts, Reef Optix Reflectors - 10,000k XM bulbs, PFO 4 bulb VHO Super Actinic, 30 gallon Sump, Octopus 200NW Skimmer

10/15/2007, 01:15 PM	#16
Ty1e Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Calgary Posts: 620	the gallaxy is great i have one 250watt running my Mh lummen max pendant driving a aquaconnect 14k. __________________ Tyson. Current Tank Info: 70 gal rimless

10/11/2007, 05:15 PM	#3
oct2274 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,347	i'm not sure i heard right, but i think the galaxy ballasts will overdrive bulbs sorta like HQI ballasts

10/11/2007, 07:58 PM	#5
Paulairduck I LOVE FREE FRAGS!!! Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Chino Hills Posts: 2,909	The galaxy ballast's are great, create very little heat, they can run any bulb and they are easy to setup with the quick diconnect cords. I have two and love em.

10/11/2007, 09:02 PM	#6
jman77 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 2,391	I've read more than a few post regarding the newer style Icecaps having problems... I was going to purchase a pair of those , but now I don't know what to do

10/11/2007, 09:03 PM	#7
jman77 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 2,391	gcarroll, How do you know the galaxy run the bulbs closer to HQI Specs ?

10/11/2007, 09:34 PM	#8
baldgeek Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 94	Would be interested to know if there is any Sanjay-type info on how well these drive bulbs. I was under the impression that generally speaking, e-ballasts, while be less expensive to operate, don't produce the same par values that mag ballasts do when driving the same bulb. Not trying to start a religious war here, just wondering what peoples' experience has been.

10/12/2007, 06:09 AM	#9
jman77 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Palm Beach, Florida Posts: 2,391	yes it would be good to know

10/12/2007, 03:02 PM	#10
jknecht Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chicago - SW Suburbs Posts: 261	I found the following thread where Sanjay was asked if he had tested the Galaxy ballast. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1212376 Here was Sanjay's response: "No, I have not. It has been my expereince that there is very little difference between the electronic ballasts. sanjay."

10/12/2007, 09:07 PM	#12
MJAnderson Premium Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 2,633	I have one as well and really like it. Stays cool and runs like a champ.

10/12/2007, 10:24 PM	#13
baldgeek Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 94	Excellent. Good to know. I think then when these get a little longer in the tooth, they are gonna go bye bye.

10/15/2007, 07:34 PM	#19
kysard1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: SE PA Posts: 827	A good summary is here: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/sj/index.php Any electronic ballast underdrives the lamp as can be seen with Sanjay's test results here: http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/index.htm This doesn't mean that an e-ballast is bad, Par per watt may be just as good. But in no case will an HQI bulb be as bright on an e-ballast as with an M80 ballast. Last edited by kysard1; 10/15/2007 at 07:55 PM.

10/15/2007, 07:54 PM	#20
kysard1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: SE PA Posts: 827	dp

10/21/2007, 11:20 AM	#22
Scissorhand Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pho 54, SoCal Posts: 3,066	Chris, the non-plug-and-play Ice Cap ballast had difficulty firing XM 10K DE bulb. Can you confirm if this problem has been fixed with newer version?

10/22/2007, 06:35 AM	#23
Chris@IceCap Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Hamilton Square, NJ Posts: 138	Yes there is a new IceCap ballast that was released in late Spring. This ballast is completely plug and play! As far as problems firing XM lamps, IceCap's stance has always been that XM designed or manufactured this lamp incorrectly. About 3-6 months later XM corrected this problem and that was the end of it. BTW, the XM 10K DE didn't work on XM's/Hellolights branded ARO ballast either. IceCap MH ballasts have always worked with every MH lamp in the aquarium marketplace. If a single lamp shows up that won't work with our ballast it's more than likely a lamp problem. Chris IceCap Inc.

10/22/2007, 08:54 AM	#24
gcarroll Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 9,666	Chris, other than being plug and play are there any other differences between the new and old Icecap ballasts. __________________ Greg Carroll I will be at REEF-A-PALOOZA! SPS = Stability Promotes Success Be wary of advice coming from those who will not show you the fruits of their success! Current Tank Info: building: 250g AGE Euro tank, Abyzz A200, Vertex Supra-G filtration, Ecotech Radion Pro LEDs, ...

10/22/2007, 05:51 PM	#25
CookieJar Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Mountain View, CA Posts: 545	Along the same lines, is there any comparison testing between the old & new 250W ballasts? I heard Sanjay did testing on the new one but I'm unsure if the 250W Icecap ballast info on his website is for the old ballast or if it's for the new ballast.