PC vs VHO

[wax32]

Hmm. That's good to know Bang.
So maybe the thing to do in this case is go with the 2 lamp set up for now ( to save a bit of cash saving up time ).
Then I can get another two bulbs added in at a later date!
Less money at one time is a good thing when your wife is following your expenditures.

 

[sula]

I'm about to make a similar purchase for my 29g.
Bang Guy, since the IceCap runs the bulbs cooler, can you skip the fan? Also, is a reflector necessary?
Wax32, I found a site selling a 24" 3 bulb setup, {edit}

 

[wax32]

Actually I've got a really good LFS that gives nice support so I want to make the actual purchase from him unless the price is WAY out of line. I saw places that would do 3 bulb setups also.
The net is a great research tool!
I am already having heat concerns in my 29 from my PH's, so I think I want the fan to be safe.

 

[d12monkey]

FYI: The Icecap will have no problem running the 4-24in bulbs. either model one won't matter. The 300 watts isn't overkill for the tank. Just check out this tread. Wattage tread
Hey bang guy the ice cap 430 can an will run 4 bulbs but the total lenght of the bulbs does not exceed 12 ft. 4-24in bulb will give you that 12 ft. So no prob running the bulbs.

 

[wax32]

Nice thread! OK I think I'm gonna go for the whole enchillada at once.

 

[sula]

I know everyone loves the IceCap ballasts, but does anyone have opinions on the PFO ballasts? PFO has a ballast which also runs 4 bulbs at a slightly lower cost, with the advantage of having two on/off switches, giving much more control over timing of the lights. Basically it comes down to whether the dual switches or the Ice Cap quality is a bigger factor. Any thoughts?

 

[wax32]

Dunno, being able to turn on the actinics seperate from the 10k's would be nice tho.

 

[d12monkey]

Yes it is but I can almost gaurantee that you would not. The 10000K bulbs by themselves give of almost a yellow tint to our eyes and the actinic blubs will bring a blue hue and the 2 colors will make it look white to our eyes.

 

[sula]

But there seem to be an awful lot of people who time their actinics on a different schedule than their "white" bulbs....

 

[d12monkey]

To simulate dawn and/or dusk on their tanks. But the PFO balast I believe doesn't have 2 different power cords for the timers.
So you'd have to bu the one that has a built in timer on the fixture.

 

[sula]

No, the one I'm considering has two different power cords...

 

[d12monkey]

Then you should be fine with seprate timers. Yes you can simulate dawn and dusk with that model then.

 

[sula]

So if it were you making the choice, which would you prefer, an IceCap ballast with only one power cord, or a PFO with two?

 

[d12monkey]

I have Icecaps on mine. I haven't used the PFO nor do I have anything against them. Just really don't have a way of comparing between the two. Sorry.
Besides I've bought my icecap on that major auction site for under $100 and have spent another $100 in all the bulbs and endcaps and wiring.

 

[wax32]

WOW. I found out that I'm not a carpenter! I've been working on building the canopy to house the new lights. What a PITA. I am almost done now though. Have to make one more trip to the hardware store. Forgot to "measure twice, cut once" so I need one more piece of wood. Then all I have left to do is prime/paint and purchase the actual lights.

 

[d12monkey]

cool beans

 

[bang guy]

Is the PFO ballast Electronic of Magnetic? Don't ever buy a magnetic VHO ballast. They are hot and eat bulbs faster than you can buy them.

 

[reefraff]

If you want to save a few bucks (like 30) on a ballast look for a URI A4. It is an Ice Cap 660 that doesn't have the capability of being hooked up to an external dimmer. I run 2 660 on my T5's and it is amazing how cool the ballasts stay.
I can't imagine someone claiming PC's run cooler than anything except for maybe halides.

 

[snipe]

VHO will put out mroe heat on a standard vho ballast.

 

[sula]

Originally posted by Bang Guy
Is the PFO ballast Electronic of Magnetic? Don't ever buy a magnetic VHO ballast. They are hot and eat bulbs faster than you can buy them.
It's Electronic. I went ahead and ordered, since there didn't seem to be a huge outcry against PFO. I'm staring at it right now trying to figure out how to fit it into the canopy I have .....:notsure: