Ballast advice needed

[Josh23]

I have my JL Aquatics cart full - except for one item.
What kind of ballast should I purchase (250 wattage)

IceCap 250W Electronic Metal Halide Ballast

PFO 250W Electronic Enclosed Metal Halide Ballast

PFO HQI Metal Halide Ballast - 1 x 250W

I have not purchased bulbs or a reflector yet as I plan on purchasing them from the states.

thanks
josh

[JOEL]

I have my JL Aquatics cart full - except for one item.
What kind of ballast should I purchase (250 wattage)

IceCap 250W Electronic Metal Halide Ballast

PFO 250W Electronic Enclosed Metal Halide Ballast

PFO HQI Metal Halide Ballast - 1 x 250W

I have not purchased bulbs or a reflector yet as I plan on purchasing them from the states.

thanks
josh

I was in the same boat till I found this http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=31117
lots of info

[Josh23]

Based on that article if I want to run a Phenoix 14000 DE bulb the Ice Cap Ballast would be the best pick.

Can someone varify this for me? I just don't want to make a mistake.'

thanks

[StirCrazy]

The PFO HQI Metal Halide Ballast would be the best choice.. the electronic ballasts underdrive the bulb a bit.

Steve

[Josh23]

will it icecap drive it normally or under drive it.

the pfo ballast will overdrive it? will this shorten the life of the bulb?

thanks

[kari]

The PFO HQI will run more of a variety of bulbs then the Icecap. I had difficulties with the Icecap and new Phoenix bulbs until they were burnt in with the other ballast.

[StirCrazy]

will it icecap drive it normally or under drive it.

the pfo ballast will overdrive it? will this shorten the life of the bulb?

thanks

the PFO is a true M80 ballast which is the proper ballast for the DE bulbs. it will run it properly not overdrive it. Most electronic ballast underdrive the bulbs, IceCap being one of them.

Steve

[Reefer Rob]

The best place for metal halide info is Sanjay's website (http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/).