Workhorse ballasts (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter OldNemo
- Start date
My response assumes your referring to use with T5s:
If I had some around or had an old PC fixture than I salvaged them from, I would probably use them. Would I go out and buy one ? No.
For T5s, programmed start ballast are reasonable enough in cost and made specifically for T5s. Not really worth the savings IMO.
Remember these are "one size fits all type ballast" so they don't drive T5s to full spec ( slightly underdrives them ). They are instant start which is a bit harder on the bulbs. They lack any end of life protection ( meaning it doesn't sense burn out and will continue to send current ).
If I had some around or had an old PC fixture than I salvaged them from, I would probably use them. Would I go out and buy one ? No.
For T5s, programmed start ballast are reasonable enough in cost and made specifically for T5s. Not really worth the savings IMO.
Remember these are "one size fits all type ballast" so they don't drive T5s to full spec ( slightly underdrives them ). They are instant start which is a bit harder on the bulbs. They lack any end of life protection ( meaning it doesn't sense burn out and will continue to send current ).
Yes T5's. Thanks.
Ice Cap's or Advanced/Universal's then?? Just curious as I am getting back into hobby after about 10 yrs away.
For most people, the programmed start ballasts ( univeral, advance, silvania, lots of different ones ) are just fine. Don't really think one brand is particularly better than another. Although most of mine happen to be advance.
The only real advantage to the Icecap I see is you can pack more punch in a smaller space. You get a 30% increase in light ( when cooled properly ) but also a 30% increase in electricity so really not more effecient ( unlike NO & VHOs ). I only see the icecap as being useful for a unusually deep tank or going SPS/Clam dominate and want the maximum intensity possible.
I'd take the same stance as the fulham. If already own the Icecap, reuse it for sure. If need to buy, the programmed start is sufficient for most people.
The only real advantage to the Icecap I see is you can pack more punch in a smaller space. You get a 30% increase in light ( when cooled properly ) but also a 30% increase in electricity so really not more effecient ( unlike NO & VHOs ). I only see the icecap as being useful for a unusually deep tank or going SPS/Clam dominate and want the maximum intensity possible.
I'd take the same stance as the fulham. If already own the Icecap, reuse it for sure. If need to buy, the programmed start is sufficient for most people.
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Used lighting IMO rarely work out be enough savings to make it work. Most seller, will put some type of value on used bulbs. I myself put $0 value on them. Especially when the changes of being the exact same bulb combinations that I'd choose. By the time you factor in purchasing all new bulbs, do you still save any significant money ? Most times now. When your able to choose a retro from the ground up with optimal parts usually there are no regrets.
That's same reason why so many full tank package deals rarely work out. Seller puts value on some equipment that I'd never choose myself so it doesn't have the same value to me. Buying and then pricing those things to sell may make the possible savings not worth the trouble. Some cases, like Matt/Hypertech has done, it has made sense to part out those pieces becuase he know they still have value to someone else. But you really have to know the market for them before going in.
That's same reason why so many full tank package deals rarely work out. Seller puts value on some equipment that I'd never choose myself so it doesn't have the same value to me. Buying and then pricing those things to sell may make the possible savings not worth the trouble. Some cases, like Matt/Hypertech has done, it has made sense to part out those pieces becuase he know they still have value to someone else. But you really have to know the market for them before going in.
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Good to know. It was without the bulbs. Thanks
If you want to pm me on the specifics, reflector brands, endcaps etc and the $$ offer, I can certainly tell you if I would do it or not.
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- Jan 14, 2008
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workhorse
actually they are good. come in different sizes for number of bulbs and power t-5 lamps great.compared to ice cap for the price, ie 25$ workhorse to a 150$ ice cap kinda says it all. have had them in many of my hoods. I have tried a dozen differnt styles from t8,t5,hl,compacts. they come in alot of the fixtures. i like them after talking to an electrical company. they loved them for longevity and quality. my corals love them. haha. have a great conection for cheap pricing
actually they are good. come in different sizes for number of bulbs and power t-5 lamps great.compared to ice cap for the price, ie 25$ workhorse to a 150$ ice cap kinda says it all. have had them in many of my hoods. I have tried a dozen differnt styles from t8,t5,hl,compacts. they come in alot of the fixtures. i like them after talking to an electrical company. they loved them for longevity and quality. my corals love them. haha. have a great conection for cheap pricing