IceCap VS Workhorse

[stpabr]

I'm getting ready to buy VHO and have researched a lot on IceCaps.
I've also found A LITTLE information on Workhorse ballasts.
I like the Idea of the buying 2 WH 7s so that I could shut down one bank of 2 bulbs when in dusk mode of 2 Atinics, BUT I know ICECAPs are the top of the line...
Any thoughts...Pro or Con...
Thanks in advance for the input.
Stephen..
PS. I'm only lighting only a 29 Gal with hopes of some SPS,LPS,Softies...

 

[broncofish]

I use a workhorse 7 above my 29g. It stays cool to the touch and so do the bulbs. I believe it has a 1 yr warranty, and was easy to wire. I have found no drawback to it, and it only cost $45, and can run 220w with 2 48" bulbs, 150w over my s9g with 24" bulbs.

 

[stpabr]

Thanks for the input Bronco...I'm leaning towards the Workhorse 7 for now...
I noticed that the website calls it an "In fixture flourescent."
Do you have yours mounted away from the hood, like an IceCap with a wiring harness?

 

[broncofish]

Nope mine is right in the hood. Does not put off enough heat to even bother anything. You could remote it if you wanted I guess. I will take some pictures tonight for you if you want.

 

[chevytrks]

i use workhorse 7 ballasts with fans on my 125
and workhorse 5 on my 45 reef with a 175 mh
they have presented no problems with heat nor with flickering
good solid ballast imho

 

[stpabr]

Did you guys order them from Fulham, they seem to sell in bulk, or do you have another resource for On-Line orders?
Thanks for the input guys, I'm definatly going to order 1 WH 7 to run 2 24"-75W VHO for my 29...Then either do the same for another 150W, or MH 150....

 

[yetex]

I have checked on the workhorse 7 and a local eletrical supply store would well them for $36.
Thats not a bad price
Eventually im going to get one to power a couple actinics for my tank.

 

[broncofish]

happyreefing in the online world is where I got mine

 

[justinx]

The workhorse is a great ballast.

 

[chevytrks]

i got mine from petsupplyliquidator.com
his prices are listed, he will custom wire for you and has good prices on bulbs too
i had them wire mine with fans and insulate them

 

[stpabr]

Well y'all just convinced me...I just ordered the 2 lamp VHO retrokit(no bulbs) for $69.00 from Happyreefing.
It includes the Workhorse7 and the waterfroof endcaps for 2 VHO lamps I can pick up the 2 24" 75 Watt bulbs locally.
In thinking URI Aquasun 10000K and 1 SuperActnicR...they also have an Actinic White 50/50 @12000K....Any thoughts on the bulb selection?
Probably keep my 2 18Watt NO's also, untill I get the 2nd WH or 150 Watt MH...
Probably have to do another post for recomendations on my first CORAL selection... Unless y'all want to give me a few ideas here..
Thanks all...

 

[justinx]

I run 2x24" URI VHO over my 20. I use a 50/50, and a super actinic. A very nice color, nice and white. Plus the corals really look great. I have heard that the aquasuns have a touch of pink to their color. dont quote me on that though.

 

[broncofish]

Here are my 2 50/50 bulbs,

 

[stpabr]

Great guys...I'll do a 50/50 and actinic...
I'll have my DIY custom hood finished buy the time the lights arrive.
Thanks for all the input...

 

[stpabr]

AAHHHGGGG,
After inquiring about 24" T5s from happyreefing....They just offered me to wait 1 week for a 2 bulb 22" t5 system for the same price as the VHO, but with 2 T5 bulbs at 24Watts each.....
SHOULD I WAIT FOR THE T5s???????

 

[stpabr]

bump

 

[hondo]

I'm currently using a WH7 for my VHO actinic. It works great and does not seem to heat up much at all. I noticed several people saying they are using a WH ballast to power a MH system. Can a work hourse 7 be used to power a 175w MH?

 

[justinx]

No. The workhorse wont be able to drive a MH.