View Full Version : ballast recommendations
gsoaxionsk8
02/26/2008, 10:51 AM
what kind of electronic ballast would you guys recommend for running se 175w reeflux bulbs on lumenarc reflectors? I'm looking for something with decent quality at a reasonable price. Thanks in advance for any replies!
gsoaxionsk8
02/26/2008, 03:34 PM
its alright, you wont hurt my feelings
maui-reefer
02/27/2008, 12:43 AM
I just read another post tonight that a CoralVue electronic ballast was the best to use when paired with a CoralVue Reeflux bulb. This is an old post but it may still apply.
http://maast.org/forums/archive/index.php/t-25364.html
The post said that Ice Cap Ballasts may not fire certain German made bulbs properly. Please don't flame me if this info is out of date.
I have been researching ballasts, bulbs and reflectors for months. I have also looked at many display tanks. To answer your question I would look at the following website and look at the PAR ratings for various ballasts and bulbs. You will ultimately have to decide what the best combination is for the type of corals you will be keeping. For example if you wish to keep SPS corals then you will want the best PAR ratings possible with a 175 watt system.
http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/selectballast.php
I have a fairly deep tank (24") and decided to go for a 250 watt MH system with Ice Cap Ballasts. If you have a fairly deep tank you may wish to go with a 250 watt system. Depending on your tank, 175 watts may not be intense enough to keep your coral colors the best possible and have good growth rate.
Tony
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