ARO AS220, Good or bad

dc_909 · 02/13/2006, 03:47 PM

Looking to get some VHO, but don't know what ballast is good.

I'm looking at the ARO AS220, is this good or should I spend the extra cash for the Icecap 660?

80 Gal tank, only need two 110 bulbs.

Entropy · 02/13/2006, 03:56 PM

I run a Fulham Workhorse 7. It is better then ARO IMO, but I have also used the ARO and it works good. I have also used the four bulb verison of the ARO ballast and it worked really good too.

www.hellolights for the ARO kit, or www.reefgeek.com for the WH7 raw ballast. Either way you can build a nice VHO kit for about $120 shipped.

cuong · 02/14/2006, 10:07 AM

I'm currently using it for my VHO actinic light. I like it better than the WH ballast since it's smaller, lighter and run cooler than the WH ballast. If you need to run only two 110 bulbs, it's the best choice IMO.

dc_909 · 02/14/2006, 10:25 AM

cuong,

Are you running these with reflectors?
If so, where did you get them?

cuong · 02/14/2006, 11:12 AM

dc_909,

I'm using it to fire 2x110w vho uri super actinic bulb that have built-in reflectors to supplement 2x250w MH 10K Reeflux. I bought the aro ballast used locally but you could buy it from www.hellolights if you're in the US ( they won't ship international).

Entropy · 02/14/2006, 11:19 AM

I am running URI actinics as well with the internatl reflectors. I still added a reflector to the setup, but I don't think you need it. I would paint the inside of your canopy (assuming you have one) flat white. Every little bit helps.

02/13/2006, 03:47 PM	#1
dc_909 Moved On Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 3,260	ARO AS220, Good or bad Looking to get some VHO, but don't know what ballast is good. I'm looking at the ARO AS220, is this good or should I spend the extra cash for the Icecap 660? 80 Gal tank, only need two 110 bulbs.

02/13/2006, 03:56 PM	#2
Entropy Texas Reefer Join Date: May 2003 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 13,656	I run a Fulham Workhorse 7. It is better then ARO IMO, but I have also used the ARO and it works good. I have also used the four bulb verison of the ARO ballast and it worked really good too. www.hellolights for the ARO kit, or www.reefgeek.com for the WH7 raw ballast. Either way you can build a nice VHO kit for about $120 shipped. __________________ Rich Overton 150G cube FOWLR, 30g sump, ReefKeeperII, 3x Koralia 1400's, QuiteOne 3000, Reef Octopus DNWB150, 4x 30w Par38 LED. Current Tank Info: 36x36x27 150g

02/14/2006, 11:19 AM	#6
Entropy Texas Reefer Join Date: May 2003 Location: Round Rock, TX Posts: 13,656	I am running URI actinics as well with the internatl reflectors. I still added a reflector to the setup, but I don't think you need it. I would paint the inside of your canopy (assuming you have one) flat white. Every little bit helps. __________________ Rich Overton 150G cube FOWLR, 30g sump, ReefKeeperII, 3x Koralia 1400's, QuiteOne 3000, Reef Octopus DNWB150, 4x 30w Par38 LED. Current Tank Info: 36x36x27 150g

02/14/2006, 10:07 AM	#3
cuong Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ottawa, Canada Posts: 135	I'm currently using it for my VHO actinic light. I like it better than the WH ballast since it's smaller, lighter and run cooler than the WH ballast. If you need to run only two 110 bulbs, it's the best choice IMO.

02/14/2006, 10:25 AM	#4
dc_909 Moved On Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 3,260	cuong, Are you running these with reflectors? If so, where did you get them?

02/14/2006, 11:12 AM	#5
cuong Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: ottawa, Canada Posts: 135	dc_909, I'm using it to fire 2x110w vho uri super actinic bulb that have built-in reflectors to supplement 2x250w MH 10K Reeflux. I bought the aro ballast used locally but you could buy it from www.hellolights if you're in the US ( they won't ship international).