Anyone know a LFS to get Metal Halides from

[wpbfishguy]

Are there any LFS with decent prices or should I get them mail order...I need 2 175's

[Reefanatic67]

I would get the via mail order. In fact, I'm getting ready to order a PFO/Icecap Pendant from Premium Aquatics. Their package deals seem to be the best price on the market for these.

By the way, how big is the tank? I personally prefer 250W over 175W bulbs. Gives you more options. I'm going to put a 250W over a 58 gallon Oceanic and I currently have two 250W over my 75.

HTH

Manny......

[wpbfishguy]

My tank is a 75g AGA predrilled. I decided to go with (2) 250w halides using icecap ballasts

[Reefanatic67]

This is the setup I have on my tank. I purchased it from another RC member in Orlando. It has with two 250W and two 95W VHO for bulbs, a dual PFO 250W MH ballast, and an Icecap 660 ballast for the VHO.

HTH

Manny........

[wpbfishguy]

NICE HOOD!!! I am planning on picking up 2 250w halides powered by two ice cap ballasts and going with two 48" 110 VHO powered by a hamilton technology setup that I already have but don't use.

[Reefanatic67]

Instead of two Icecaps, why don't you look into a dual PFO ballast? Yes, they get hotter and tend to be more wasteful than the Icecap, but you save money on the unit. IMO 500W is 500W whether it is coming out of an electronic ballast or magnetic one. I personally chose the PFO because when I did the calculations, it would've taken me almost four years to break even. Others have done similar calculation and have come up with a break even point that is too far out into the future to justify spending the money. I don't remember the formula off the top of my head, but if you search on this board, you should find it. Each Icecap will run you at least $130, for a total of $260. You can purchase the dual PFO for under $150. That's $90 of savings that you can use to for something else SPS frags, or an expensive fish, etc.

Just my observation, but you really can’t go wrong with either ballast. Good luck with your decision!

Manny.......

[aquamanco]

Check these out few http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=65846 & http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=72388
These are a few LFS fell free to add more:D


Frank:bum:

[wpbfishguy]

I am looking at Ice Cap because the ballast can fire any 250w bulb made... where as PFO can only fire certain bulbs. I just don't want the hassle of only being able to buy certain brands of bulbs. As for energy savings..Ice Cap does only save you about 10% so that isn't a big factor but I can get the IceCap ballasts shipped for FREE and the PFO Ballast is going to cost me an extra $25. Thanks for the advice though...