Ballast choice for Ushio 400w

[Aquattro]

I have the option of a S51 or a Son Agro ballast for the same cost. Any opinions on either of these? Thanks!

[pocilipora]

In my opinion, I would go with another brand of bulb. I have had 3 bulbs prematurely fail. And another well known reefer on this board has had at least double this amount fail within the first 3 months of use. Even people in europe running the proper ballast have problems with these bulbs.
I think both those ballasts you mentioned overdrive the bulb prematurly ageing it, but if I had to Id go with an M135 pulse start ballast.
Its too bad because I like the color of the bulb. But for me its back to Iwasakis with a bunch of VHO actinics.

[Aquattro]

I'm aware of the problem with them blowing up, but I read on RC somewhere that it was restricted to certain batch numbers. I had one blow similar to Marc's, but it was almost a year old when it blew.
According to Paul from ahclighting.com, the HPS ballasts were better, light wise, than the M135. The M135 just helps the bulb start, but does nothing for the quality of light.
Switching to Iwasakis isn't an option; I tried one on my tank and was really unimpressed with the color. I don't have enough room to add sufficient actinics to compensate! :P
I can get the Son Agros for $86, so I might try those, unless someone suggests a reason why the S51 is better.
I did notice the ballast to lamp distance is only 2 ft. with the S51, so that might disqualify it right away!

[pocilipora]

I guess all you can do is try one and see how it works. But the bottom line is that the Ushio bulb thats sold does not have the proper ballast in North America....yet. :shock: Which is kind of weird. :?

[Aquattro]

I believe there isn't a proper ballast due to the voltages we run vs. Europe. I don't think we'll ever get a ballast that is perfect. Apparently the S51 is the closest we have here.

[stephane]

The best ballast from wath I read is the 430 agro and when you will be tired of the hushio you could switch to Radium cause It run them very well to

[Aquattro]

Stephane, I've seen the Radium now on 3 tanks. I won't run them personally. Too blue and washed out for me. But I change my mind a lot, so don't quote this next year

[stephane]

Have you see them on agro ballast because there a major differance the agro is very intense withe blue

For my self it gave hard coral color never obtain with anyting else but some soft coral look better under other light

[Aquattro]

Stephane, I've seen it run on a M59, the bluewave M135, and a blueline e-ballast. The e-ballast was the nicest, but still a bit washed out for me. Maybe if they were supplemented with VHO daylight tubes they would look better.

[Aquattro]

Also, the Son Agro apparently burns them out in about 7 months!!