ice cap ballast worth the extra$?

[robzilla]

looking to pickup a mh lighting setup from j&l's, is the ice cap ballast worth
the upgrade costs?

thanks

[Invigor]

depends on what bulbs you wanna run

[robzilla]

looking to run 10000k, 250w hqi bulb, wanted to run a 14000k bulb but you only get 2 choices, 10000or20000

[Invigor]

hqi bulb will run optimally on a pfo hqi ballast, although it's not electronic, it works best with hqi bulbs a hqi ballast is also called a "m80" ballast. stircrazy = light guru, i get my answers from him.

if you wanted 14000k, you might want to check out ab aqualine 10k bulbs, they run at 13000k on an hqi ballast. i've had the chance to see some in person and they're a nice balance of blue and white. rather expensive bulbs tho. $89 at www.canadianmarineaquariumsupply.com I don't know that J&L carries them, but there's a good chance they're the color you're seeking.

ballast: http://www.jlaquatics.com/cgi-bin/sh...gno=pfo-bh251q
bulb: http://www.canadianmarineaquariumsup...cat=341&page=1

you can get the mogul socket from a hydroponics store, or maybe even home depot for $10-$20 and just mount it yourself

[kari]

I've had problems getting the Icecap to fire new 14k DE bulbs. IMO a M80 ballast will serve you better. I don't think the Icecap would actually be an upgrade if you are planning on using 250watt DE bulbs.

[robzilla]

you can get the mogul socket from a hydroponics store, or maybe even home depot for $10-$20 and just mount it yourself [/quote]

i've thought of doing it with types of setup but with my pentagon tank, i looking for a pendant type fixture that will be in the open. i didnt want to build a canopy.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by Invigor

ab aqualine 10k bulbs, they run at 13000k on an hqi ballast. i've had the chance to see some in person and they're a nice balance of blue and white. rather expensive bulbs tho. $89 at www.canadianmarineaquariumsupply.com

Damn thats the cheepest I have ever seen them.. at that price there a deal and a half, they were 189.00 just two years ago and untill now the cheepest I have seen them is 130.00

thanks for the find.

Steve

[Samw]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

Damn thats the cheepest I have ever seen them.. at that price there a deal and a half, they were 189.00 just two years ago and untill now the cheepest I have seen them is 130.00

thanks for the find.

Steve

Steve, you didn't believe me when I said that was the cheapest price I've found?

http://www.canreef.com/phpBB2/viewto...162&highlight=

[StirCrazy]

no, I didn't even look at the link.. should have said they were that cheap

Steve

[Chin_Lee]

Originally Posted by StirCrazy

no, I didn't even look at the link.. should have said they were that cheap

Steve

Should ask JL to see if they will match that price. Big difference between 89 and 130...