Difference in T5 Ballasts

I currently run 3xworkhorse5 electronic ballasts on my 6x54W T5 setup. This was suppose to be a temporary solution when I got rid of my MH lighting ~3 yrs ago, however I was surprised with the results so I kept it.

I'm in the process of building a LED/T5 combo where LEDs will be in the middle with 2x54W T5 tubes on each side.

Question:
Since I'm satisfied with the results of the workhorse5 ballasts and their price (~$21 / piece), what would be the reasons for me using something like IceCap 660 ballasts on my new LED/T5 combo lighting project? They are priced at ~$300 / piece and I just don't want to go out and spend the $$, just because...

Just want to know what the big difference is, they are firing bulbs, so if you use good bulbs and good reflectors you should be all set, or did I just get lucky?

Please give me a bit more than they are just better or they over drive the bulbs...thanks.

 

I think the icecaps over drive the bulbs, puting out more light but cutting the lifespan of the bulb significantly.

 

There is also a whole program start verse instant start thing with t5 ballasts, but it doesn't matter for the icecap.

 

Oh yay, i was interested in getting a similar LED/T5 setup.
i think the mix of both would be excellent.

cant help with ballast answers unfortunately but am very interested in your findings

 

Sostoudt, thanks for the responses. One of the reasons I asked this questions is because I've seen tanks with Aquactinics Constellation, Current USA, Tek, ATI. My plan a few yrs back was to get the constellation fixture....not to sound cocky, but to be honest my tank looks way better that a lot of tanks I've seen running these fixtures and expensive retro kits with 660 ballasts. You made some good points, but I'm looking for the ~$280/ballast difference in price reasons, it has to be more than just the firing of the bulb or overdriving the bulbs to justify the hugh difference in price.

 

It's the hobbyiest mark up, things marketed toward this hobby are a lot more expensive.

It does other things you don't really care about, like running VHO's and PC's as well, I guess it can tell what bulbs it's hooked up to somehow. It's eco friendly and starts at -40 degrees. I also supposed to be pretty efficient at what it does.

 

I do hope there is more to it my friend, I can't see spending ~$500-$700 more on ballasts that are doing pretty much the same job as 3 ballasts I could pickup for ~$60 that have good reviews in the electric industry, and from my experience with them, they work quite well for my reef tank when paired with individual reflectors and good bulbs....hopefully some others will chime in to share their experience too, looks like I'll be sticking with my cheap workhorse5 ballasts on the new project ;D

 

btw if you look around you can get the for around 160 dollars.
aquacave for one.

they handle 4 lights also, so they would be better compared to a workhorse 7

 

Programmed start ballasts make the bulbs last longer than pulse start so you will pay more for them but not that much. You should not need to overdrive your T5HO if you get a good LED setup.

 

Do they really make a difference in the hobby though? I assumed most of there benefit comes from applications where the bulbs will go on and off alot and you use the bulbs till they die, like in room lighting or motion sensors.

For are purposes the t5 should only be turned on around 800 times.