PFO or Electronic ballast

seahawkjohnny · 04-09-2002, 06:53 PM

Right now I am planning a light system, my tank is 48x24x24, want to go with dual 400 watt 10k halides....

The question is what ballast to use, Pfo, or electronic, {Ice Cap, or Blueline}, The Pfo is cheaper, and available in 400watt, while the electronic is more expensive, but runs cooler, and you get a brighter light, and the ballast is a lot smaller, and lighter, and so far I have found 250 watts is the limit with the IceCaps.

Does anybody have any expierence with these two?

Thanx a bunch......

Drew · 04-09-2002, 07:16 PM

IMO go with the PFO. I have a PFO dual 400 watt ballast and I love it. Never had any problems. If it was VHO's or something I would say electronic but IMO for MH's you can't beat PFO. HTH

Drew

mojoreef · 04-09-2002, 07:56 PM

Jimbo · 04-09-2002, 09:59 PM

Hi everyone likes PFO-

I picked up a 400watt MH ballast off of ebay for $35. Works great. You can go with a 250 watt electronic ballast by Icecap. If you go with HQI bulbs they are supposed to be almost as bright as 400watters. Bulbs are more expensive though, but you will save on the electric bill. Icecap may need to tune the ballast to run your specific bulbs.

Have a great day!