RyanG
Reef enthusiast
Im going to replace the crapo DIY magnetic 250w ballast that I bought. I was wondering what ballasts you all recommend. Icecap, Hamilton, Blueline, workhorse etc. These will be for mogul bulbs.
Ballast options
- Thread starter RyanG
- Start date
dustin_P74
Reef enthusiast
icecaps and hamiltons seem to be extremely reliable
daugherty
part time reefer
same as dustin
ccCapt
Reef Hacker
Check Sanjay's site. Look up the bulbs you want to use and see which ballasts they perform best with.
Also, I guess it depends on where everything is located, but I've read that some electronic ballasts can cause problems with HD TV.
Also, I guess it depends on where everything is located, but I've read that some electronic ballasts can cause problems with HD TV.
ccCapt
Reef Hacker
Some interesting info on "the crapo DIY magnetic 250w ballast that I bought".
According to this chart from Sanjays site, an XM 10K bulb using a 250w magnetic ballast puts out more PPFD and has a better CCT than using an Icecap or ReefFanatic electronic ballast.
This chart shows all the 250w bulbs Sanjay tested with each different ballast. Looks like unless you want to use an HQI ballast, the magnetics perform quite well.
According to this chart from Sanjays site, an XM 10K bulb using a 250w magnetic ballast puts out more PPFD and has a better CCT than using an Icecap or ReefFanatic electronic ballast.
This chart shows all the 250w bulbs Sanjay tested with each different ballast. Looks like unless you want to use an HQI ballast, the magnetics perform quite well.
RyanG
Reef enthusiast
Thanks Capt, I wasnt implying that all magnetics where crap just the ones that I bought! They are all rusted up, industrial ballasts, with shoddy wiring. They are an eyesore and fairly old im pretty sure.
