no name or Icecap?

smokinreefer · #1 11-14-2001, 05:49 PM

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

DJ88 · #2 11-14-2001, 06:27 PM

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..

reefburnaby · #3 11-15-2001, 12:50 AM

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.

George · #4 11-15-2001, 02:35 PM

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

Thanks
George

DJ88 · #5 11-16-2001, 04:55 AM

You can get them at albrite electrical.. In PoCo..

Just bought a 3x3 workhorse there..

FlameAngel · #6 11-16-2001, 04:56 AM

George,

I know WestCoast Lighting in PoCo.. sells a LOT of industrial VHO, NO, MH, ballasts... check them out.

FlameAngel

George · #7 11-15-2001, 05:07 PM

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

Shadetree · #8 11-15-2001, 06:07 PM

George,

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

Scott

smokinreefer · #9 11-15-2001, 06:43 PM

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

reefburnaby · #10 11-15-2001, 10:29 PM

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.