MH HQI Ballast Recommendations

SPSFiend · 04/12/2006, 09:46 PM

Hi all,

I need to purchase a new ballast ASAP and wanted to know what was the best out there. I have two 250W HQI pendants that I need to power.

I have been leaning to ICECAPs. Is it true that they produce more light out of bulbs? And, is it true that the way Electron Ballast's fire up that they are easier on the bulbs?

Thanks!

szwab · 04/12/2006, 09:56 PM

i like my pfo HQI ballast it's a 400 watter though and non electronic like the icecap.

moonpod · 04/12/2006, 10:02 PM

There is no such thing as an electronic "HQI" ballast. There are electronic ballasts that will underdrive, but yes run DE MH bulbs, but all true 250w "HQI" ballasts are M80 spec magnetic ballasts. The most common "pre packaged" units are the SLS and PFO units.

Jeepman3sk · 04/13/2006, 11:57 AM

That is very good to know I was wondering why all of the HQI DE came with magnetic ballists.

bbragg · 04/13/2006, 02:31 PM

I beleive Sanjay's site shows that the ICECAP drives the DE MH's at a level that is lower overall than an M80 magnetic. ICECAPS also draw substantial current on startup but do run efficiently. I have two ICECAPs running two 250 DE's on my tank and they work perfectly well. If you're looking for the most light though, given the data, you probably will need a magentic ballast. As the ICECAPs don't drive as hard, you may get extra life from the bulbs going the electronic route.

04/12/2006, 09:46 PM	#1
SPSFiend Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: South Bay / Los Angeles Posts: 1,018	MH HQI Ballast Recommendations Hi all, I need to purchase a new ballast ASAP and wanted to know what was the best out there. I have two 250W HQI pendants that I need to power. I have been leaning to ICECAPs. Is it true that they produce more light out of bulbs? And, is it true that the way Electron Ballast's fire up that they are easier on the bulbs? Thanks! __________________ Thanks, Gerry Current Tank Info: Custom 32x32x24 Rimless. Previous tanks: 180G Reef and 120G Reef

04/12/2006, 09:56 PM	#2
szwab RC Mod Join Date: May 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 15,225	i like my pfo HQI ballast it's a 400 watter though and non electronic like the icecap. __________________ Mark "I got a fever, and the only prescription, is more cowbell" ~ Christopher Walken Current Tank Info: AGE 240 Flatback Hex

04/12/2006, 10:02 PM	#3
moonpod Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: B.H., Los Angeles Posts: 13,053	There is no such thing as an electronic "HQI" ballast. There are electronic ballasts that will underdrive, but yes run DE MH bulbs, but all true 250w "HQI" ballasts are M80 spec magnetic ballasts. The most common "pre packaged" units are the SLS and PFO units. __________________ Excuses are just the nails for the house of failure. Current Tank Info: 32" Leemar starfire cube now empty and not quite so stinky

04/13/2006, 11:57 AM	#4
Jeepman3sk Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Charlestown, MA Posts: 601	That is very good to know I was wondering why all of the HQI DE came with magnetic ballists.

04/13/2006, 02:31 PM	#5
bbragg Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Sanford, Florida Posts: 65	I beleive Sanjay's site shows that the ICECAP drives the DE MH's at a level that is lower overall than an M80 magnetic. ICECAPS also draw substantial current on startup but do run efficiently. I have two ICECAPs running two 250 DE's on my tank and they work perfectly well. If you're looking for the most light though, given the data, you probably will need a magentic ballast. As the ICECAPs don't drive as hard, you may get extra life from the bulbs going the electronic route.