175w halide decision help

[phi delt reefer]

looking for a 14-15k look. Really crisp white with some subtle blue and lots of pop (hence the t5's)

--so i can got with 4 t5s and two spider/parbolic reflectors and a dual 175w eballast

--go 2 t5s with two lumenarc mini (or similar style) pyramid reflectors and dual 175 eballast.

anyone have experience with blueline e-ballasts or Lumateks?

I like the versatility of having 4 t5's for i can tune the color with some different bulbs as needed.

next question - with the spider reflectors or the reef optix 3 units what kind of spread will i get if its only 8-12" above the water?

I am going to do a two or three island look with the rockwork so i can centre the reflectors respectively or put them on some rails so they have adjust-ability in case i change the rock work. I dont plan on having stuff right up to the edges of the glass, probably have 2-4" of dead space all the way around.

[gobytron]

For your reading pleasure....Sanjays testing of the Iwasakis

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/12/review#h12

[phi delt reefer]

Originally Posted by gobytron

For your reading pleasure....Sanjays testing of the Iwasakis

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/12/review#h12

thanks goby - i had a quick read- the icecap electronic ballasts seem to be the most efficient out of that group but it looks like all electronic ballasts perform similarly.

cheapest dual 175w eballast i could find was a blueline unit for $169 US or i could go with two single vertex 175w units for $100.

fingers crossed some you rich Albertans/BC'ers are clearing out your old halide units to help a poor Ontario reefer out I hear LED is the way to go guys!

Delphius - how many reef optix reflectors do you have? are they single end and will they take 175w bulbs?

[gobytron]

Just an FYI, the Vertex are supposedly clones of the Icecap...potentialy from the same factory, rebranded.

I have heard this from several sources including staff at JL.

[phi delt reefer]

Originally Posted by gobytron

Just an FYI, the Vertex are supposedly clones of the Icecap...potentialy from the same factory, rebranded.

I have heard this from several sources including staff at JL.

yeah i read that somewhere as well. Now that Icecap is no more i am hesitant to purchase their wares for who knows if they will be revived or if the new owners will honor old warranties. Vertex is a notorious re-brander but they at least rebrand the good stuff

going to keep my eyes out for some good quality used reflectors and cords. I wont be ready for full lights for a couple months still. thanks for all the help guys