250W Electronic Ballast Comparison

ej797 · 04/29/2008, 03:02 PM

I am looking to purchase a couple of 250 watt ballasts so I would like to discuss the differneces between the available ballasts. I am currently looking at the IceCap, Sunlight Supply Galaxy, and the Lumatek.

IceCap:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...or~~tab~0.html

I am having difficulty finding very much information on the IceCap ballast. From what I understand it comes with the power cord but it does not include a connector for the lamp, only a 6 inch harness.

6.6 lbs
Dimensions 8.5" X 4.125" x 3.1"

Sunlight Supply Galaxy:

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...or~~tab~0.html

I like the fact that this ballast comes with a detachable power cord that can be replace with another cord that enables it to be used on 240v. (However, Lumateks write up says that this type of ballast can not be as efficient as a dedicated 240v ballast.) Also, it has a quickconnect for the lamp cord that matches up to any sunlight supply pendant.
9.75in L x 5.25in W x 3.75in H, 6lbs.
5 YEAR WARRANTY (3 full YEARS + 2 years prorated)

Lumatek:
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~LK1115.html

I like the amount of information available on retail sites for this item. Although, much of the info is a sales pitch I found some of it usefull. For instance, they say they are an E ballast as opposed to an electronic ballast. They say that an E-Ballast has a microprocessor where an electronic ballast does not. Is this true? Also, they discuss the need for RF Shielded Output cords because E ballasts and Electronic Ballasts can create interference in PH equipment. Is that true?

Price is obviously not a concern because they are all the same price. If anyone has any input please post.

Thanks,
EJ

OneReef · 04/29/2008, 07:24 PM

I have the new IceCap electronice 250w ballasts, and they are nice. It has a power cord, and like you said, a 6 inch or so quick disconnector that would go to your light plug. You can buy an optional quick disconnect end to attach to the end of your light cord for about $12, to connect the two together. Hope that made sense.

jahorgos · 04/29/2008, 07:28 PM

I vote icecap as well as mine have all been very reliable and the company is top notch for service if you have any issues.

ej797 · 04/29/2008, 07:46 PM

What is the warranty for the Ice Cap? Is this the plug that plugs into the plug that is on the icecap ballast?

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~IC7151.html

What do you make of Lumateks claim about the affect of not using RF Shielded cable? If shielded wire is required does anyone have any recomendatons on where to obtain it?

Thanks,
EJ

landragon · 04/29/2008, 07:50 PM

Yep that's it.

ej797 · 04/30/2008, 08:40 AM

Anyone have any comments regarding the RF Shielded cable?

ej797 · 05/01/2008, 10:22 AM

Bump

Ti · 05/01/2008, 10:38 AM

I've had good luck with the ARO.

ej797 · 05/01/2008, 10:48 AM

What is an ARO?

Anybody have info regarding the need to us RF Sheilded cable and where to get it?

sirreal63 · 05/01/2008, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ti
I've had good luck with the ARO.

Agreed..I run both the 150/175 and the 250 never had a problem going on my 4th year with them.

Lutefisk · 05/01/2008, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ej797
What is an ARO?

Anybody have info regarding the need to us RF Sheilded cable and where to get it?

I don't have an answer about where to get shielded cable rated for the voltages generated by these ballasts.

The good news is that you can minimize the problems by following some standard rules of thumb:

Never run power cables next to signal cables (always keep them as far apart as practical)
If you do need to cross power cables and signal cables make the crossing at a right angle
Use shielded signal cables and ensure you have a good ground

Paul

maui-reefer · 05/01/2008, 12:08 PM

I recently purchased a Ice Cap Ballast (250 W), a PFO HQI Mini Pendant and a Ice Cap Disconnector from Marine Depot. The disconnector was easy to install to the ballast. I really like the Ice Cap Ballast because my light output is high but my tank temperature did not go up very much. The ballast itself is just slightly warm to the touch when in use.

Tony

ej797 · 05/01/2008, 12:57 PM

maui-reefer what kind of cable did you use to connect your pendants?

Thanks,
EJ

maui-reefer · 05/01/2008, 02:22 PM

ej797:

The followings is what I ordered at Marine Depot. The PFO Mini Pendant already had a quick disconnect cable. I just replaced Ice Cap end with the disconnect male plug. BTW, I do not work for Marine Depot.

PF2675 PFO HQI 250W MINI PENDANT 1 $104.99
IC3161 ICECAP 250W MH/HQI BALLAST 1 $129.99
MB6664 250W 14000K MH DOUBLE-ENDED - PHOENIX 1 $59.99
IC7151 ICECAP QUICK-DISCONNECT MALE RECEPTACLE FOR ICECAP ELECTRONIC BALLASTS 1 $10.99

ganjero · 05/01/2008, 03:21 PM

ARO are electronic ballasts, you can find them at hellolights.com

ej797 · 05/01/2008, 04:44 PM

Anybody using the Galaxy Ballasts? I am leaning towards those because I have sunlight supply Pendants that will plug right in.

gcarroll · 05/01/2008, 05:06 PM

I'm using the Galaxy. It is a good ballast as is the Icecap and Lumatec. These ballasts have more in common than not. This per someone in the industry. I have heard on more occations that two of the ballasts come out of the same factory. One company said the Lumatec and the Galaxy were made in the same factory, another said that the Icecap and Lumatec were made in the same factory. Who knows for sure. Either way, there are more Lumatecs in use than Icecap or Galaxy, so we should not look at them as some new kid on the block.

ej797 · 05/01/2008, 05:47 PM

I think for my situation the galaxy is going to be the best. I already have ballasts with cords that will plug right into them.

I had planned on purchasing two single ballasts as opposed to one dual ballast. That way if one breaks and has to be sent in for repair the other can stay on the tank.

Any thoughts?

Flatlander · 05/02/2008, 06:55 AM

I run a duel 250 Galaxy. Pleased with it so far, {only a month}. And I run Reef Optix reflectors, so the disconnects are great.

ej797 · 05/02/2008, 06:58 AM

Are there any other benefits that a dual ballast gives besides Cost?

sirreal63 · 05/02/2008, 07:02 AM

Space is the only benefit I know of. The downside is if one side of a dual ballast goes out you will be w/o lights until you get it fixed. With two single ballasts if one goes out you still have one and won't be completely w/o light. :-)

ej797 · 05/02/2008, 07:04 AM

Thats what I was thinking. I like the idea of having the ability to send in one ballast for repair while the other stays installed on the tank. I could even purchase a spare to run the lights while one of the ballasts is in for repair if need be.

Thanks,
EJ

tygger · 05/03/2008, 12:46 AM

I'm interested in this also...

Flatlander · 05/03/2008, 07:51 AM

I always keep my ballasts cool with a small fan, so one duel ballast, one fan worked best for me.

With any duel though, the one side crapping thing could always be a problem I guess. Never had it happen yet. {knock on wood}.

ej797 · 05/03/2008, 08:00 AM

The reason I am looking for a e-ballast is because my duel sunlight supply has one side burnt out. So, for me it is a real concern.

04/29/2008, 03:02 PM	#1
ej797 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cutler Bay, FL Posts: 1,609	250W Electronic Ballast Comparison I am looking to purchase a couple of 250 watt ballasts so I would like to discuss the differneces between the available ballasts. I am currently looking at the IceCap, Sunlight Supply Galaxy, and the Lumatek. IceCap: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...or~~tab~0.html I am having difficulty finding very much information on the IceCap ballast. From what I understand it comes with the power cord but it does not include a connector for the lamp, only a 6 inch harness. 6.6 lbs Dimensions 8.5" X 4.125" x 3.1" Sunlight Supply Galaxy: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...or~~tab~0.html I like the fact that this ballast comes with a detachable power cord that can be replace with another cord that enables it to be used on 240v. (However, Lumateks write up says that this type of ballast can not be as efficient as a dedicated 240v ballast.) Also, it has a quickconnect for the lamp cord that matches up to any sunlight supply pendant. 9.75in L x 5.25in W x 3.75in H, 6lbs. 5 YEAR WARRANTY (3 full YEARS + 2 years prorated) Lumatek: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~LK1115.html I like the amount of information available on retail sites for this item. Although, much of the info is a sales pitch I found some of it usefull. For instance, they say they are an E ballast as opposed to an electronic ballast. They say that an E-Ballast has a microprocessor where an electronic ballast does not. Is this true? Also, they discuss the need for RF Shielded Output cords because E ballasts and Electronic Ballasts can create interference in PH equipment. Is that true? Price is obviously not a concern because they are all the same price. If anyone has any input please post. Thanks, EJ __________________ EJ NKAWTG, for those who know. Current Tank Info: Planning and Building out 225 Gallon in Wall Reef

04/29/2008, 07:46 PM	#4
ej797 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cutler Bay, FL Posts: 1,609	What is the warranty for the Ice Cap? Is this the plug that plugs into the plug that is on the icecap ballast? http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~IC7151.html What do you make of Lumateks claim about the affect of not using RF Shielded cable? If shielded wire is required does anyone have any recomendatons on where to obtain it? Thanks, EJ __________________ EJ NKAWTG, for those who know. Current Tank Info: Planning and Building out 225 Gallon in Wall Reef

04/29/2008, 07:50 PM	#5
landragon Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 892	Yep that's it. __________________ "Experience is the only tool we aren't born with." Unknown

04/30/2008, 08:40 AM	#6
ej797 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cutler Bay, FL Posts: 1,609	Anyone have any comments regarding the RF Shielded cable? __________________ EJ NKAWTG, for those who know. Current Tank Info: Planning and Building out 225 Gallon in Wall Reef

05/01/2008, 10:22 AM	#7
ej797 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cutler Bay, FL Posts: 1,609	Bump __________________ EJ NKAWTG, for those who know. Current Tank Info: Planning and Building out 225 Gallon in Wall Reef

04/29/2008, 07:24 PM	#2
OneReef Reef Guru Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: the great South Posts: 3,218	I have the new IceCap electronice 250w ballasts, and they are nice. It has a power cord, and like you said, a 6 inch or so quick disconnector that would go to your light plug. You can buy an optional quick disconnect end to attach to the end of your light cord for about $12, to connect the two together. Hope that made sense.

04/29/2008, 07:28 PM	#3
jahorgos Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 134	I vote icecap as well as mine have all been very reliable and the company is top notch for service if you have any issues.

05/01/2008, 10:38 AM	#8
Ti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 7,927	I've had good luck with the ARO. __________________ Hair algae is my Macro algae.

05/01/2008, 10:48 AM	#9
ej797 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cutler Bay, FL Posts: 1,609	What is an ARO? Anybody have info regarding the need to us RF Sheilded cable and where to get it? __________________ EJ NKAWTG, for those who know. Current Tank Info: Planning and Building out 225 Gallon in Wall Reef

05/01/2008, 12:08 PM	#12
maui-reefer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 25	I I recently purchased a Ice Cap Ballast (250 W), a PFO HQI Mini Pendant and a Ice Cap Disconnector from Marine Depot. The disconnector was easy to install to the ballast. I really like the Ice Cap Ballast because my light output is high but my tank temperature did not go up very much. The ballast itself is just slightly warm to the touch when in use. Tony

05/01/2008, 12:57 PM	#13
ej797 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cutler Bay, FL Posts: 1,609	maui-reefer what kind of cable did you use to connect your pendants? Thanks, EJ __________________ EJ NKAWTG, for those who know. Current Tank Info: Planning and Building out 225 Gallon in Wall Reef

05/01/2008, 02:22 PM	#14
maui-reefer Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 25	ej797: The followings is what I ordered at Marine Depot. The PFO Mini Pendant already had a quick disconnect cable. I just replaced Ice Cap end with the disconnect male plug. BTW, I do not work for Marine Depot. PF2675 PFO HQI 250W MINI PENDANT 1 $104.99 IC3161 ICECAP 250W MH/HQI BALLAST 1 $129.99 MB6664 250W 14000K MH DOUBLE-ENDED - PHOENIX 1 $59.99 IC7151 ICECAP QUICK-DISCONNECT MALE RECEPTACLE FOR ICECAP ELECTRONIC BALLASTS 1 $10.99

05/01/2008, 03:21 PM	#15
ganjero saiperchémibatteilcorazon Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 4,027	ARO are electronic ballasts, you can find them at hellolights.com

05/01/2008, 04:44 PM	#16
ej797 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cutler Bay, FL Posts: 1,609	Anybody using the Galaxy Ballasts? I am leaning towards those because I have sunlight supply Pendants that will plug right in. __________________ EJ NKAWTG, for those who know. Current Tank Info: Planning and Building out 225 Gallon in Wall Reef

05/01/2008, 05:06 PM	#17
gcarroll Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 9,666	I'm using the Galaxy. It is a good ballast as is the Icecap and Lumatec. These ballasts have more in common than not. This per someone in the industry. I have heard on more occations that two of the ballasts come out of the same factory. One company said the Lumatec and the Galaxy were made in the same factory, another said that the Icecap and Lumatec were made in the same factory. Who knows for sure. Either way, there are more Lumatecs in use than Icecap or Galaxy, so we should not look at them as some new kid on the block. __________________ 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, ...

05/01/2008, 05:47 PM	#18
ej797 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cutler Bay, FL Posts: 1,609	I think for my situation the galaxy is going to be the best. I already have ballasts with cords that will plug right into them. I had planned on purchasing two single ballasts as opposed to one dual ballast. That way if one breaks and has to be sent in for repair the other can stay on the tank. Any thoughts? __________________ EJ NKAWTG, for those who know. Current Tank Info: Planning and Building out 225 Gallon in Wall Reef

05/02/2008, 06:55 AM	#19
Flatlander Premium Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 2,886	I run a duel 250 Galaxy. Pleased with it so far, {only a month}. And I run Reef Optix reflectors, so the disconnects are great. __________________ Doug TOTM April 2001 Current Tank Info: 50g sumpless sps tank..Evergrow 2081 led..Apex control..Tunze 9012 skimmer..Tunze calcium reactor..Tunze kalk reactor..2 rw8,s..1 MP40..1 Hydor Korillia 1200gph..Tunze ATO..all propagated sps frags

05/02/2008, 06:58 AM	#20
ej797 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cutler Bay, FL Posts: 1,609	Are there any other benefits that a dual ballast gives besides Cost? __________________ EJ NKAWTG, for those who know. Current Tank Info: Planning and Building out 225 Gallon in Wall Reef

05/02/2008, 07:02 AM	#21
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	Space is the only benefit I know of. The downside is if one side of a dual ballast goes out you will be w/o lights until you get it fixed. With two single ballasts if one goes out you still have one and won't be completely w/o light. :-) __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.

05/02/2008, 07:04 AM	#22
ej797 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cutler Bay, FL Posts: 1,609	Thats what I was thinking. I like the idea of having the ability to send in one ballast for repair while the other stays installed on the tank. I could even purchase a spare to run the lights while one of the ballasts is in for repair if need be. Thanks, EJ __________________ EJ NKAWTG, for those who know. Current Tank Info: Planning and Building out 225 Gallon in Wall Reef

05/03/2008, 12:46 AM	#23
tygger Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Northern VA Posts: 1,631	I'm interested in this also... __________________ 15g Nano 72g reef + 29g sump/fuge

05/03/2008, 07:51 AM	#24
Flatlander Premium Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: BC, Canada Posts: 2,886	I always keep my ballasts cool with a small fan, so one duel ballast, one fan worked best for me. With any duel though, the one side crapping thing could always be a problem I guess. Never had it happen yet. {knock on wood}. __________________ Doug TOTM April 2001 Current Tank Info: 50g sumpless sps tank..Evergrow 2081 led..Apex control..Tunze 9012 skimmer..Tunze calcium reactor..Tunze kalk reactor..2 rw8,s..1 MP40..1 Hydor Korillia 1200gph..Tunze ATO..all propagated sps frags

05/03/2008, 08:00 AM	#25
ej797 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cutler Bay, FL Posts: 1,609	The reason I am looking for a e-ballast is because my duel sunlight supply has one side burnt out. So, for me it is a real concern. __________________ EJ NKAWTG, for those who know. Current Tank Info: Planning and Building out 225 Gallon in Wall Reef