400w MH ballast. Icecap or Galaxy?

milkit · 07/20/2009, 05:25 PM

I am going to order a ballast tonight, probably from reefgeek.com. The galaxy is $~20 cheaper, but which is best?

milkit · 07/20/2009, 05:26 PM

will be using a lumenmax elite mogul reflector on a 30x30x30 cube tank

Uncle Luke · 07/20/2009, 07:47 PM

You really can't go wrong with the Icecap - tried and true.

kingsland · 07/20/2009, 08:14 PM

I am very satisfied with my Icecaps

PSU REEFER · 07/20/2009, 09:10 PM

Icecap all the way here

moo0o · 07/20/2009, 10:32 PM

From what i read, the new icecap ballasts are a little weaker than galaxy, very very small difference. Cant go wrong with either ballast.

gcarroll · 07/20/2009, 11:45 PM

Galaxy for me. With the Lumenmax Elite it is plug and play.

milkit · 07/21/2009, 08:07 AM

this thread is not making my decision easier haha

JasonD · 07/21/2009, 08:11 AM

I have the Ice Cap ballast for 250s that being said I might try a lumenark 250 in the future just to see the difference.
Especially with Radiums
Jaso.

mordibv · 07/21/2009, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JasonD
I have the Ice Cap ballast for 250s that being said I might try a lumenark 250 in the future just to see the difference.
Especially with Radiums
Jaso.

U sure u didn't mean Lumatex ? BTW they are nice ballasts .
I say Galaxy and Lumatex . Not Icecap .

milkit · 07/21/2009, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mordibv
U sure u didn't mean Lumatex ? BTW they are nice ballasts .
I say Galaxy and Lumatex . Not Icecap .

any reasoning behind that or just preference? The icecaps are $~180, the galaxy $~160. how much are the lumatexs? i cant even find them for sale anywhere, but I assume you meant Lumatek?

ReefWreak · 07/21/2009, 08:46 AM

They are Lumatek. I don't know why people have such a hard time spelling an incorrectly spelled ballast name

Between the Galaxy, Lumatek, and Icecap, I like Icecap because they've been fantastic for me in the past, and I can't imagine a warranty/repair policy and turn around time better than theirs. The difference in voltages outputted between those 3 ballasts is negligible (less than 5% difference).

I think gcarroll was just pointing that he'd go with the Galaxy because it has Sunlight Supply proprietary plugs on it already, and so does the Lumenmax Elite reflector. Short of that, they're all relatively similar.

That being said, I like Icecap, Galaxy are fine too, Lumatek are #3 to me for electronic ballasts, tied with Coralvue, but there aren't significant differences between the 3 IMO.

JasonD · 07/21/2009, 08:48 AM

sorry I menat lumatek

I heard that they drive a Radium bulb brighter then an Ice Cap, maybe I'm wrong on that. Radium bulbs just look a little better when you over drive them and you get that nice white blue light affect.

Jason

milkit · 07/21/2009, 09:33 AM

after some reading, and finding the lumatek for $153 @ marinedepot.com im going to order that.

Now, what bulb?

again 30x30x30 cube, no t5s or other supplemental light.

im thinking ushio or radium? I will be running the 120v, would these bulbs be an issue?

JasonD · 07/21/2009, 10:38 AM

Has anyone done some testing to see if the Lumatek produces more light than the Ice Cap?

MORE LUMENS - 20-30% more lumens than magnetic ballasts
· Lumatek ballasts are 8-15% BRIGHTER than other brands on the market
· COMPLETELY SILENT - leave the humming and buzzing behind · BEST WARRANTY IN THE INDUSTRY 3 years - Full Warranty PLUS 2 years - Prorated · SMALL COMPACT DESIGN - under 10 pounds
· COMPLETELY SEALED from the inside and water resistant
· FAST START UP - reaches full brightness in under a minute
· NO FANS - Resin sealed industrial case to ensure reliability
· CUT-OFF-CIRCUITRY - Automatically shuts off in case of short
· RELIABLE - every ballast is factory tested for 12 hours · Available in 120V and 240V
· RF SHIELDED output cord
· MICROPROCESSOR-CONTROLLED to ensure proper performance with every bulb Ballast
· INCLUDES 3 prong power cord and 15ft shielded lamp cord with bare wires

Lumatek Digital Ballast
Brightest Ballast on the Market The Lumatek Ballast is the brightest ballast in the industry. Light meter readings indicate that the Lumatek ballast is up to 27% brighter than common core and coil magnetic ballasts. The Lumatek is 10-15% brighter than other brands of digital ballast on the market.

Jason

ReefWreak · 07/21/2009, 11:30 AM

This might help a little:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/6/review

gcarroll · 07/21/2009, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JasonD
The Lumatek is 10-15% brighter than other brands of digital ballast on the market.

I guess they need to add, "Galaxy ballasts not included in the term other!"

milkit · 07/21/2009, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ReefWreak
This might help a little:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/6/review

reaffirms my decision based on the price. but i cant read that data well enough to know if its suggesting one bulb over another...

gcarroll · 07/21/2009, 01:43 PM

wow, I'm shocked that the plug and play option is not worth $7 for you.

milkit · 07/21/2009, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gcarroll
wow, I'm shocked that the plug and play option is not worth $7 for you.

Please note that this Lumatek Ballast uses the Sunlight Supply lamp cords / connections. See an example here

maybe i am confused, but isnt the sunlight supply lamp cord what the lumenmax elite uses?

xtm · 07/21/2009, 02:23 PM

IceCap for me. The reliability of this thing is astounding... I've been using my older 250w IceCap since 2004!

frank40 · 07/21/2009, 03:46 PM

i wanted to try the lumateks but i been using icecaps for years without a hitch so i prefer icecaps just for the reliability..........just a small note on e-ballasts, once they fire up your bulb, there is very little difference to the naked eye.

gcarroll · 07/21/2009, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by milkit
Please note that this Lumatek Ballast uses the Sunlight Supply lamp cords / connections. See an example here

maybe i am confused, but isnt the sunlight supply lamp cord what the lumenmax elite uses?

Sorry about that. When they first hit the market they had bare wires for outputs similar to the Icecap. MD was the first to bring us the Lumatek. Later Sunlight Supply also started distributing their ballasts. It appears that they may have had Lumatek add their lamp plug. I was under the impression that only the ballasts coming out of SLS had those cords but it may be all of their ballasts.

Toadally · 07/21/2009, 04:12 PM

Either one, they are both good.

07/20/2009, 05:25 PM	#1
milkit Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Dallas Posts: 325	400w MH ballast. Icecap or Galaxy? I am going to order a ballast tonight, probably from reefgeek.com. The galaxy is $~20 cheaper, but which is best?

07/20/2009, 08:14 PM	#4
kingsland Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Wichita, Kansas Posts: 511	I am very satisfied with my Icecaps __________________ bogey Current Tank Info: 220 in wall, 60 frag and 75, Reeflo 250, Vortech 4x, 100 gal sump, MRC CR2

07/20/2009, 09:10 PM	#5
PSU REEFER Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Midlothian, VA Posts: 713	Icecap all the way here __________________ Rob __________ __________________ Current Tank Info: 500g w/ a few fish & little coral, but that will change. 4 MH(400w-2-10K & 2-20k), 4-6' VHO, CL thru eurobracing, 2-Tunze's, OCT 5000ext., RKE, 2-550's LFR(GFO & Carbon), 2-part, and more equipment to add down the road.

07/20/2009, 11:45 PM	#7
gcarroll Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 9,666	Galaxy for me. With the Lumenmax Elite it is plug and play. __________________ 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, ...

07/21/2009, 09:33 AM	#14
milkit Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Dallas Posts: 325	after some reading, and finding the lumatek for $153 @ marinedepot.com im going to order that. Now, what bulb? again 30x30x30 cube, no t5s or other supplemental light. im thinking ushio or radium? I will be running the 120v, would these bulbs be an issue? Last edited by milkit; 07/21/2009 at 10:04 AM.

07/20/2009, 05:26 PM	#2
milkit Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Dallas Posts: 325	will be using a lumenmax elite mogul reflector on a 30x30x30 cube tank

07/20/2009, 07:47 PM	#3
Uncle Luke Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,011	You really can't go wrong with the Icecap - tried and true.

07/20/2009, 10:32 PM	#6
moo0o Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SJ,CA Posts: 1,694	From what i read, the new icecap ballasts are a little weaker than galaxy, very very small difference. Cant go wrong with either ballast.

07/21/2009, 08:07 AM	#8
milkit Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Dallas Posts: 325	this thread is not making my decision easier haha

07/21/2009, 08:11 AM	#9
JasonD Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,079	I have the Ice Cap ballast for 250s that being said I might try a lumenark 250 in the future just to see the difference. Especially with Radiums Jaso.

07/21/2009, 08:46 AM	#12
ReefWreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Astoria, NYC Posts: 10,159	They are Lumatek. I don't know why people have such a hard time spelling an incorrectly spelled ballast name Between the Galaxy, Lumatek, and Icecap, I like Icecap because they've been fantastic for me in the past, and I can't imagine a warranty/repair policy and turn around time better than theirs. The difference in voltages outputted between those 3 ballasts is negligible (less than 5% difference). I think gcarroll was just pointing that he'd go with the Galaxy because it has Sunlight Supply proprietary plugs on it already, and so does the Lumenmax Elite reflector. Short of that, they're all relatively similar. That being said, I like Icecap, Galaxy are fine too, Lumatek are #3 to me for electronic ballasts, tied with Coralvue, but there aren't significant differences between the 3 IMO.

07/21/2009, 08:48 AM	#13
JasonD Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,079	sorry I menat lumatek I heard that they drive a Radium bulb brighter then an Ice Cap, maybe I'm wrong on that. Radium bulbs just look a little better when you over drive them and you get that nice white blue light affect. Jason

07/21/2009, 10:38 AM	#15
JasonD Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,079	Has anyone done some testing to see if the Lumatek produces more light than the Ice Cap? MORE LUMENS - 20-30% more lumens than magnetic ballasts · Lumatek ballasts are 8-15% BRIGHTER than other brands on the market · COMPLETELY SILENT - leave the humming and buzzing behind · BEST WARRANTY IN THE INDUSTRY 3 years - Full Warranty PLUS 2 years - Prorated · SMALL COMPACT DESIGN - under 10 pounds · COMPLETELY SEALED from the inside and water resistant · FAST START UP - reaches full brightness in under a minute · NO FANS - Resin sealed industrial case to ensure reliability · CUT-OFF-CIRCUITRY - Automatically shuts off in case of short · RELIABLE - every ballast is factory tested for 12 hours · Available in 120V and 240V · RF SHIELDED output cord · MICROPROCESSOR-CONTROLLED to ensure proper performance with every bulb Ballast · INCLUDES 3 prong power cord and 15ft shielded lamp cord with bare wires Lumatek Digital Ballast Brightest Ballast on the Market The Lumatek Ballast is the brightest ballast in the industry. Light meter readings indicate that the Lumatek ballast is up to 27% brighter than common core and coil magnetic ballasts. The Lumatek is 10-15% brighter than other brands of digital ballast on the market. Jason

07/21/2009, 11:30 AM	#16
ReefWreak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Astoria, NYC Posts: 10,159	This might help a little: http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/6/review

07/21/2009, 01:43 PM	#19
gcarroll Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Orange, CA Posts: 9,666	wow, I'm shocked that the plug and play option is not worth $7 for you. __________________ 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, ...

07/21/2009, 02:23 PM	#21
xtm Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Panorama City, CA Posts: 4,703	IceCap for me. The reliability of this thing is astounding... I've been using my older 250w IceCap since 2004! __________________ Function before fashion Current Tank Info: 120g SPS Tank (48x24x24)

07/21/2009, 03:46 PM	#22
frank40 Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: nyc Posts: 125	i wanted to try the lumateks but i been using icecaps for years without a hitch so i prefer icecaps just for the reliability..........just a small note on e-ballasts, once they fire up your bulb, there is very little difference to the naked eye.

07/21/2009, 04:12 PM	#24
Toadally Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Mount Holly, NC Posts: 986	Either one, they are both good. __________________ _Michael "Who was the first person to look at a cow and say, "I think I'll squeeze these dangly things here, and drink whatever comes out?" Reef Aquarium Society of Charlotte (RASOC) Treasurer Current Tank Info: 57gal. Illuminata, Bubble Magus Skimmer, Tek Elite 6x39w, 40gal. Breeder, 2x A150w Kessil LED