Ballast Advise Please

Hi everyone,

I would like some opinions on which brand ballast is the best on the market for running 2 double ended 250 watt MH? I have been searching the net for I don't know how long and can't seem to figure out what would be the best especially when I started getting info on magnetic vs. electronic ballasts. My brain is starting to hurt thinking about it I will be using 2 Sunlight Supply Reef Optix 3 Reflector and trying to figure out what ballast i want to use with them? Your opinions will be greatly appreciated! Thanks all

 

Look into IceCap ballast, they are work horses and barely even get warm. Luna

 

I have the exact same setup you are thinking about. Got it from reefgeek.com

250W IceCap Electronic Metal Halide Ballasts and 250W Sunlight Supply Reef Optix 3 Plus HQ Reflectors w/14000k Ushio Bulbs
Here is a link to the threads i made about this setup.
http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-li...ight-supply-reef-optix-3-reflector-54677.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-lighting/installing-icecap-ballasts-what-54653.html

Those reef optix get pretty dam HOT...make sure you have a fan for your caopy. Im gona mount mine above the canopy. And don't runt them without the filter glass.

I like IceCap ballasts ...mainly because they run supercool. I have mine on for 8 hours and they are slightly warm to the touch.

I prefer IceCap but people say you can get better ones for the same price. But you cant go wrong with IceCap.

Im currently in the process of ordering the 4 - T5's with reflectors.

Just trying to decide which bulbs are the best...the spectrum subject is pretty deep, but im gona read up on it this week before i order the IceCap retro kit. Anyone want to advise me on the T5's?

They don't use IceCap ballasts for the 54W T5's tho. I wish they did. Probably overkill. They use them for the VHO's

 

Thanks Luna! They are def. will be kept in mind as they were one of the options. How long have you been running the Ice Cap Ballasts? Do you have any complaints at all about them?

Thanks Infamous! How do you like the reflectors so far (other than for the heat thing)? As for the T5's I currently have 4 54 watt T5's with individual IceCap SLR reflectors and a IceCap 660 Ballast running them over my 33 gallon long reef. I am using the URI UVL bulbs with 2 super actinics and 2 actinic whites. I have all kinds of corals softies, SPSs, LPSs,and also a maxima clam which are all doing great. My hammer frag was only one head when i got it and now it has split into 2 heads, Pulsing Xenia's wont stop growing, Elegant coral doing great,and all SPS which also include birds nests and monties all are doing great and growing. A lot of the SPSs are growing a noticeable amount each week so I cant say anything bad at all about the T5 URI bulbs.

Anyways I hope that help you a little with your decision making as yours and Luna's post has helped me.

Thanks again,
Khalid

 

The reflectors are very bright. The thing i like about them is that when i open the canopy the lights doesnt blind me like other retro kits because its pointed down, unless i look right under the light

I really dont need to add any more T5's because the 2x250W are so bright and the light is too clean. Meaning that i can see every single spec of dirt or air bubble in the tank.

Im gona add 4x T5's because in the summer i can run the T5's if the halides make my tank too hot. I should be able to buy a chiller by then tho.

 

Sanjay used to have his own site that allowed you to compare different ballast and bulb combinations. That information is now hosted here:

Manhattan Reefs - Sanjay's Lighting Guide

Sorry to link to another forum, but I think this information will be valuable in making a decision.

 

Infamous- Ya a chiller will solve any heat issues you might have during the summer with no preblem. Not to mention you won't have as much evaporation. I have a chiller on my 33 and it has been one of the greatest things i have done! I I don't have to top off evaporated water as often and my temp stays between 75 and 78 at all times.

Poseidon- Thanks for the link! ;D