IceCap Ballast + XM 10K

[SaltBlock]

After hours of reading, analyzing, and contemplation, I came to the conclusion that a 250w IceCap ballast with a 250w XM SE bulb would be a good addition to my tank.

I was just about to purchase these items and then I noticed that marinedepot.com explicitly said that IceCap ballasts cannot run XM bulbs.

"This ballast will power any metal halide 250-watt bulb other than the 'XM' brand bulbs."

Now, in my hours of reading, I never came accross any other source that made this exception. In fact, I seem to remember several sources talking about the exact same ballast/bulb combo.

So what's the deal? Can I drive an XM SE bulb with the IceCap ballast, or is it a bad idea.

If, in your opinion, it is a bad idea, what would be a better ballast for an XM bulb?

Thanks in advance for any advice,

AEB

[Jimbo]

Wow that's strange. JB NY used a icecap ballast on his comparison chart found below. So you might PM him about your question.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=254667

[SaltBlock]

I saw that too.

I'll give JB a try

AEB

[SaltBlock]

IceCap emailed me back and said there is no problem with their ballasts and the SE XM bulbs. There do appear to be issues with the IceCap ballasts and the DE XM bulbs.

AEB

[freeflyer]

I have the Icecaps 250w 20,000k XM- works great! (and looks great)

[LongShot]

I've had a pair of 250W 10,000K XM's running on IceCap ballasts for several months now. No problems what so ever. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Don't know why MD would say that.

- Bert