PC or VHO on a IceCap 660??

[wastedincome420]

If using a IceCap 660 which would be cheaper on the electric bill? PC's (4 96w'ers) or VHO bulbs (URI 4 110w'ers) Andybody know the answer to this?? I tried to e-mail IceCap but havent heard back from them

[organicreefer]

i wasnt aware that you could use pc's on an icecap ballast......

anyway ,vho's are the way to go...pc actinics suck imo.

[PerryinCA]

Try posting in the Icecap forum over at reefcentral, or give them a call. Personally I like the VHO. I think that 440wVHO comnsumed something like 283 watts. Don't quote me on that, but I think its close.

-Perry

[wastedincome420]

Organic: Thats what makes IceCaps so great you can also run PC from them or even combo PC w/VHO;) It wont be used for atininc only. Im tring to help a local friend with her new tank and she seems to think PC's are cheaper to run then VHO on an IceCap.


Perry: I did know that there was a forum for "IceCap" at reef central. Like I said above I did write to Andy@IceCap but havent heard back.

[organicreefer]

interesting,i didnt know
i have a csl pc setup...its for sale;)
heres a question for you guys.
right now right now i have 2 110 w bulbs on my icecap 660...
can i add a third 2 foot(not sure w's?) bulb

[wastedincome420]

Sure Organic. You could run two more PC's to the 2 110 VHO's. Take a look at IceCaps website and they can tell you how to rewire it all to run a combo of VHO & PC bulbs;)

[bowfront]

The IceCap 660 was developed to run VHO bulbs. Yes it does work with PC's but how efficiently ask IC, which I see that you already have on their BB. Personally after running both PC's and VHO I don't know why you would even want to fool with PC's on an IC 660. Corals seem to like VHO better than PC IME.

[wastedincome420]

well you see Im asking this question NOT for me.. I'm trying to help a friend decide on PC or VHO. VHO has my vote all the way and that what I will be using. But my friend seems to think that PC are better on electricity then VHO(I dont think so though)

[Ltspd]

In the long run VHO's are cheaper to replace than the PC's. I would guess that both would last equally as long on a e-ballast.

As far as the elec bill the pc's would be cheaper due to less wattage bulb for bulb.

[dattack]

Agree. If you are running from the same icecap with the same watts, VHO and PC's should be equal in terms of electricity bill.