pfo ballasts VS Icecap VS Bluewave..suggestions pls.

[clamm]

considering upgrading ballasts... need some advice.

Considering a 2x250 Bluewave or Icecap.

Anyone familiar with the pro's and con's?

Im looking to reduce energy cost, so more efficient the better and eliminate the buzzing sound PFO makes.

Let me know,

Thanks,

Casey

 

[Moe_K]

One place to go:

www.cnidarianreef.com

Joe Burger's (JBNY) 250 watt MH independent tests.
The link is to his home page. Look there for the link to the test results.
You'll find all the info you listed, plus pictures of various bulb/ballast combinations.

 

[clamm]

Cool thanks moe...anyone else have personal experiences with different ones.?

 

[Chuck Spyropulos]

I have a Bluewave Electronic ballast and it works great....but it is just an overpriced IceCap electronic ballast with a convenient carrying case, handle, and an extra AC plug on it.

If your choice is between these two, I would go with IceCap

 

[clamm]

thanks chuck, will consider that...did you notice any electric cost difference from the 2?

 

[Chuck Spyropulos]

Big cost difference...you pay much more for the BW. So given that they should perform the same, I would go with the IceCap.

 

[Chuck Spyropulos]

Unfortunately for me, I did not realize this when I bought the BlueWave....but when I saw your post, I figured I would pass on the info to save money for at least someone else !

 

[Chuck Spyropulos]

I also use the Champion Lighting "Blueline" electronic ballasts. They may be even cheaper, but I am not sure. In the last 5 years I've had 2 (of the 250's) out of the original 6 (2x400 and 4x250) of these go bad on me....one actually exploded ! The other was leaking tar or some black thick substance so I replaced it with the Bluewave. Otherwise, no problems other than X10 control is not possible/reliable due to the noise produced by these ballasts.

 

[clamm]

Ok thanks for the input...

are icecaps more efficient to run then PFO's? (cheaper electric bill?)