ICE CAPS??????

[a&m aggie 04']

I am about to buy VHO lighting for my 58. Im contemplating whether or not i should pay the extra money and get Ice Caps. Im looking at the 430 model, 3- 36". But if i were to buy the equivalent ballast from HelloLights i would save about $100. Is it worth it???
Mark

 

[bang guy]

It depends on your situation. I like the flexibility of the 660. Sometimes IceCap has referbished ballasts at reduced rates or look on e-bay for used ballasts.

 

[wamp]

Get the 660. That way, you can add more later or if you get a bigger tank you already have the ballast. It's only a few more bucks so, it just makes since.

 

[a&m aggie 04']

I was just asking should i get an Ice Cap ballast or will the cheaper ballast such as the ones on HelloLights work just as good???? Why are IceCaps so much better???? Ive heard that you get longer bulb life, but id rather save a hundred dollars now and have to buy new bulbs a month or so soonner.

 

[blondenaso1]

The bulbs last longer, the ballast run cooler and uses less power, and then are brighter then most other ballasts. And as Wamp said the versatility of the 660 will allow you add more blulbs later on. You can get away with using just about any ballast you want, but I am glad that I spent the extra money for the Icecap.

 

[wamp]

Sorry I misunderstood your question, I also run the ballast from hello lights along with the Ice Cap I have. To be honest with you, I like the Ice Cap better. You can see the diffrence betwen the two on startup and also the heat diffrence. Not to mention the actinic color.
Having said that though, I would still buy another ballast from them. I have not been in any way disappointed in hello lights ballast, just that the Ice cap seems a little better on start up and running at lower heat.
Your choice though. I think they are both good ballasts.