Difference in T5 Ballasts

Even in our applications they make a difference specially if you have a bad starter or element. The pulse pour more energy than the bulb needs to start so it will fire up immediately at full operating level.

 

Thanks for all the input everyone.

Makes sense if you're using the bulbs for applications other than aquarium application where they will go on/off frequently but I've never had a T5 bulb burn out on my Workhorse5 electronic ballasts over the years. And personally from my T5 experience I don't see any need to overdrive the bulbs if you use good bulbs and good reflectors. Overdriving them just generate more heat, shorter bulb life and you get a bit more penetration, but if you have an average 20-22" tall tank and you're not keeping all high light demanding corals, I don't see the need.

Hobbiests have been using the IceCap ballasts for a long time with T5 bulbs, I'm not hearing anything that would make me want to spend a lot more $$ for IceCap ballasts. I'm not saying they are not good ballasts, but I'm not reading anything that could justify the cost, sounds like I wouldn't be gaining much by making that switch.


EDIT: Just want to clarify that I'm comparing the IceCap to the WorkHorse5 electronic ballast.