VHO ballast question

Allyson · 07-08-2004, 04:13 PM

I've read all the good things in TRT's archive about IceCap ballast (as far as customer service, running at cool temps, color & reliability) and am impressed.

Does anyone have good feedback on AROs. I found a few posts asking for input on these but didn't see any replies. Does this mean most of you don't have experience with these? Or are you involved in class action suits and sworn to secrecy?

The difference in price between IceCap & ARO retro kits is pretty substantial, which may say it all.

Spanky · 07-08-2004, 07:16 PM

Allyson, read your post over and over until it makes sense. I'm pretty sure you answered your own question in there somewhere.

I use IceCap only.

Doug1 · 07-08-2004, 11:08 PM

Allyson, ICecap seems to have perfected the electronic ballast for reef tanks, they are a little more than the clones that have sprung up in the last few years but they do in fact reef and are great if you have a problem. I have recommended them for years , long before they started sponsoring TRT.
I have had a pair of 430 ballasts on dusk/dawn timers that have run for several years, with only one malfunction, emailed Andy, sent in ballast and had it back good as new in 5 days. FWIW I am in Oregon and it went to NJ and Back

tdwyatt · 07-08-2004, 11:44 PM

I have several 660 Icecaps for VHO's and one 430 for a PC setup and 8 of the Icecap 250 watt MH HQI ballasts. Never had problems, some are older than Doug (

), and they have all be used on 12 hour photoperiods (or longer) for at least 2 years, some for 6 years or more. I swapped out all my cap and coil MH ballasts a few years ago for the MH ballasts, and I have NEVER regretted it for a moment. Electric bill went down, they are MUCH quieter, and they don't heat up the room.

Not to forget that they have the most awesome customer care...

hth

Allyson · 07-09-2004, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spanky

Allyson, read your post over and over until it makes sense. I'm pretty sure you answered your own question in there somewhere.

I use IceCap only.

I know....there I go again, brainstorming online! Just wanted to verify my thoughts.

Thanks to all 3 of you for responding...I'll probably go with the IceCaps. Cutting corners now could cause headaches down the road. I won't need major lighting until after bonus time (Sept 1st) anyway since I'll be spending the next 4 - 6 weeks curing LR and cycling and activating my DSB

!

jesspaul · 07-09-2004, 01:03 PM

I think the IceCaps have some arc prevention circutry also. I know mine will shut down if a bulb comes lose. Thats a very good thing.

David Grigor · 07-09-2004, 06:21 PM

Icecap 660 is the most versitle flourescent ballast. Not only will it do what you need now, but as your setup evolves and/or upgrade tanks, it always seems you have a good use for the ballast. Not only the different types of bulbs but also the lengths and #of bulb configurations are numerous.

If you look at it more from that perspective than just a $$ figure, it's a no-brainer.

I have 3 430s and 4 660s I have collected over the years. All of the still work and the oldest one is 1996. I have had in for service even after the warranty period and have never had to pay for the repairs and have always had awesome turnaround time.....In most cases, repairs ship out the door same day they recieve them....

SPC · 07-09-2004, 06:33 PM

I wish I could give some feed back on the customer sevice, but I have never had to use it in 4 years

. I have four 660's and one 430 BTW.

Steve

Ryan Mackey · 07-09-2004, 07:09 PM

We have a pair of 430's running 2x6ft VHO's in the store, which have been failure free for over 5 years. My only complaint with them is this: they are so good to the bulbs, I have to carefully date my bulbs so as not to run my actinics for like 2 years! Most VHO bulbs begin to show their age with a darkening ring near the base, but not with the 430's! You would not be unhappy with Icecap. Ryan@advancedreef.com

dheiney · 07-09-2004, 11:40 PM

I cut corners in the begining... bought the cheap ballasts from HD. true, they worked, (using NO lights) but it was heavy and *HOT*. Moved to a 660, and seemed to get more light out of the same bulbs... everything was cooler, and it's run for 3+ years w/o fail!

ruhspolostar · 07-10-2004, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spanky
Allyson, read your post over and over until it makes sense. I'm pretty sure you answered your own question in there somewhere.

I use IceCap only.

I ask questions all the time, when I'm almost 100% sure of the answer, its just nice to be reassured