Magnetek VHO ballasts

[SeanF]

I was wondering if anyone had any experience with this brand of ballasts?

[Kyle McClain]

Sean when it comes to vho their is only one ballast to consider. ICECAP. Everything else just isn't worth messing with. Checkyour email.

Kyle

[SeanF]

Just had to ask because I found some for about $20 including shipping that will power a 72" bulb. Looking forward to getting the VHO set up at work tomorrow. Talk to you later Kyle.

[SciGuy2]

First of all I can't believe that I'm still up working at this hour...

Oh, I used a Magnatek tar VHO ballast for something like 7 yrs. It worked okay but was heavy (over 10 lbs I'd guess), ran too hot to touch and burned out lamps after 6 months.

On the upside I'd guess that the tar ballast drove the lamps 30-40% brighter than the IceCap that I now use.

All of that considered I'd go with an IceCap for normal show tank use, but would consider using the Magnatek ballasts if I were setting up a coral farm since $20 is a good price for any VHO ballast and they do put out a lot of light.

Hope this helps.