need some quick advise

[jakepilot]

custom aquatics has a package deal right now with an icecap 175 watt electronic ballast and a 12k german bulb for $144.00, i know i would have to buy the socket and reflector seperate, but is this a good deal, (all opinions welcome please) thanks--jake

 

[rockster]

The ballast itself is worth $144, so you're getting the MH bulb (around 64 bucks) free. But the thing is, the bulb is emits yellow light and it's a single ballast. For a big tank, you need two. I think you will end up not saving. You can get a double ballast for a little more. Check out Marine Depot. It may help.

 

[jakepilot]

so how much is an icecap double ballast typically?

 

[lawnboy]

The bulb is a 175watt 10000k not 12000k. Just purchased and it's on the way. I did see another set up that was $75 and the bulb was 4300k w/$90? to upgrade to 12000k. The $144 for the ballast and bulb seemed like a good deal to me after checking out site after site.... Plus Ice Cap is suposed to be a great ballast.