I need a new ballast, any recommendations?

[fetidskunk]

Hey everyone,

I have a dual Ice Cap electronic ballast for 2 150 HQI de Aqualine AB bulbs that has started to flicker. Ice Cap says I should replace it as the dual was an experiment that didn't really work out. So now I am trying to figure out which ballasts to upgrade to.

The two ballasts I am considering are the new Ice Caps and the Reliable Electronic Ballasts that PA has here .

The difference would be about 120 bucks, so I am looking for good reasons to go with the Ice Caps.

I have read stuff about the new Ice Caps ruinning lights brighter than other ballasts. Is this true? Does anyone have any info about the Reliable ballasts? Is there any other ballasts I should be considering?

Thanks

RR

PS I just realized that I could also upgrade to 250 watt lamps. My tank is 36 inches long and 20 tall. Do you think 2 250's would be overkill?

[PerryinCA]

I don't think that the 250s would be overkill.

Icecap is a solid brand, and is known to have great service, and innovative technology. I have heard of reliable ballasts, but have no personal experience, nor have I heard too much about it. It would probably be a safe bet to go either way.

Personally I would opt for the 250's.

-Perry

[fetidskunk]

Does anyone know anything about the PFO dual HQI ballasts?

I want to do the 250's, but don't think I can afford it...sad.

RR

[bowfront]

The Reliable ballasts are supposed to be good. I know that PFO uses them in their 150w and 175 eballasts such as these. If you are going to upgrade to 250w I'm not sure that Reliable makes one. At least I haven't seen one for sale at places like Premium Aquatics that sells the 150w and 175w version. Icecap now has 3 different 250w versions on the market. With Icecap it depends on what bulb you are going to be running as to which ballast to buyl. The older version 250w IC will supposedly run Ushio HQI DE but not AB HQI DE. The new HQI 250w claims to be able to run any 250w bulb without special tuning but IC is still recomends the older version for some moguls. Confused? I was when I was researching it. Best bet is contact Andy at IC if you want some help on selecting an IC ballast.

Forgot to mention if you are looking for a good deal on an IC ballast check this place out. The new IC HQI 250w ballast is actually cheaper than the the 150w.

[fetidskunk]

Thanks bowfront.

I dont think I can afford the 250's. 200 for bulbs, 300 for ballasts, 30 for new clips is just too much compared to 200-300 for new 150 ballasts. But as I write this I am wavering. Although PFO makes a dual 150 for 180...

Is there any truth to the thought that the IC ballasts fire your lights brighter than other ballasts?

RR

[fetidskunk]

I just placed an order for one IC ballast and one Reliable ballast for 150 watters. If there is a difference between the two I will let you all know.

RR