no name or Icecap?
 

hey guys,
i currently run 2 400W 6500k MH on my tank. i also have 2 40W NO actinics.

i may in the near future add some VHO actinics...i feel my tank is lacking on the color department. what i want to know is this...is there a big advantage to use an icecap ballast? or can i just go to the lighting store and pick up a VHO ballast?

TIA

no name or Icecap?
 

Heya,

Personally I'd go for the icecap. It is such a flexible ballast. Even just the 430 is great IMO. They even drive the NO actinics brightly. Try it, you won't be disappointed..

no name or Icecap?
 

Hello,

Icecap : They are flexible, hassle free and can drive NO, HO, VHO and PCs...but at $240+, they are a bit expensive.

On the other hand, you can get something at albright that lights a VHO for around $60 to $100 for 2xVHOs. Something from Workhorse should allow you to do the NO, HO, VHO and PC flexibility...but this route is a bit of a hassle and requires a bit of DIY. There will be minor differences between Icecap and other ballasts, but it can be made to do roughly the same thing. So, you are looking at 1/2 the cost of Icecap with a Workhorse.

Unless you are really tight on cash, I would go with the Icecap. If you are interested in the other routes, then I can give you some suggestions.

Hope that helps.

- Victor.

no name or Icecap?
 

Hi Victor,
Where can you find one of the workhorse ballasts you mentioned?

Thanks
George

no name or Icecap?
 

Thanks guys. My Icecap was dead because of saltwater splash. I need something cheap to replace it. I will check out the lighting stores this weekend.

George

no name or Icecap?
 

George,

Contact Icecap and explain the situation, they are usually pretty good at their customer service.

Scott

no name or Icecap?
 

if i got a workhorse, would i be able to run NO bulbs like you can on the icecap?

no name or Icecap?
 

Hello,

Workhorse drive NO like a Icecap ....well... kind of. Do you mean drive a 40W tube as bright as a 2/3 of VHO ?

- Victor.

no name or Icecap?
 

You will be able to run NO if that is what you are asking.. If you mean as efficiently as an Icecap and over drive them? I dont think so.. not to the degree that IC ballasts do.. IF the workhorse will at all.

no name or Icecap?
 

yeah, thats what i mean victor. no biggie if they dont, but would be cool if they did.

hey darren, hows the tank recovering?...did you say you picked up another cap? didnt see any at JL.