Electric or PFO ballast?

[rscotth]

I am wondering if the benefits for electronic ballast out weights PFO ballast. I am outfitting my reef tank with 2 250 watt MH, I have found the LN e-ballast for around $130 but I can get a dual 250 PFO ballast for not much more. Please give me some opinions on this.

Also what does PFO stand for? Does this term apply for all coil and cap ballast?

Thanks,
Scott

[Reefland]

PFO is a lighting manufacturer located in WA:
http://www.pfolighting.com/aqwebsite/aqhomepage.htm

The electronic ballasts have some advantages over the competition; size, weight, heat and some may even burn the bulbs "better". However for the price, the PFO or Sunlight Supply Blue Wave ballasts are hard to beat. Personally, I would go with the PFO or Sunlight.

My thoughts,
Scott Z.

[jsaltzgi]

The regular run of the mill MH ballast will be considerably cheaper than using electronic ballasts. However, if you're looking at the HQI ballasts (for the double ended bulbs or for the Radium 20000 K), the price difference is MUCH less. Many of the vendors are running specials on the "New" IceCap 250 watt ballasts- under $130, and then the difference for two is about $30. But with the IceCap or the LN you can run any bulb. Some other ones price match- so if you have a favorite vendor, ask. I did...

I have a DIY setup with the LN ballasts, but will be replacing them with the "new" IceCap" Here's a link to my recent post regarding that issue:

LN ballast versus "New" IceCap

Let me just say here that I do not dislike the LN ballasts, it's just that the IceCap appears to give that little less yellow color that I was looking for initially.

James