Magnetic vs. electronic

[Franks Reef]

I just thought I would share this info that I have found on the comparison of electronic ballasts versus magnetic ballast. Seems like electronic wins hands down! They also seem to be a rather inexpensive upgrade when purchasing new lighting. Well worth the cost IMO.

http://www.coralvue.com/ballastcomp.htm

[Reelfish]

I have replaced so many magnetic ballasts in recent years with electronic in a energy conservation type program. The magnetic ballasts are bad for the environment and need to be disposed of properly.
Bob

[ADS]

The Coralvue ballasts are great. I run them on my sps tank holding tank. There about 1lb and the size of a checkbook.
David(elect engineer) at CoralVue designed them and stands behind his product.
Adam

[greenman]

I enjoy my power sucking PFO HQI ballasts.

You tryed them next to an HQI Adam?

[foxstop]

Aye Greenman,
I purchased the PFO HQI Ballast as the Coralvue Electronic Ballast would not fire the Coralvue 250w DE bulbs.

Brian

[greenman]

LMAO!

[greenman]

what bubl you running? kelven ?

[foxstop]

I'm going to be running the 20K Coralvue bulbs. They don't make an elecronic ballast for these bulbs as of yet. I think they are working on one.

[greenman]

Yea thats what i just put on my tank...
Not sure if im impressed or not....


Honesty 10k ushios are alot brighter and the corals had the the same if not better color.....

Purples turned to blues under them.. Plus the growth rates are slower.


But then again you cant beat the price.

[foxstop]

Greenman;
Do you use any supplemental lighting with your 20K bulbs?

Thanks.

Brian

[ADS]

I believe that David should have the HQI 250W ballast available soon. It will actually be the only 250W he makes since it can drive all bulbs except MV(Iwasaki).
I have 400W 20K which are much brighter than comparable radiums on both standard and HQI.
I have 10K 250W on CV elect ballasts. They are very bright also.
Growth of M.cap has been amazing.
Adam

[greenman]

Brian,

Yes i do, one 65 watt actinic and one 65w 7100k ultra actinic "blue bulb"

[greenman]

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=322515


here are some photos...

The ushios are well over 18 months old in this photo with the same supplement as above altho they are very old also.

[foxstop]

Thanks for the info and the pics.
I'm pondering what to do now.

Brian

[Doppler]

I'm looking to buy a dual 250 MH..so electronic is the way to go huh

[andro]

I'm looking to buy a dual 250 MH..so electronic is the way to go huh

Thats how I went, dual 250. Works well for me.

-Ian

[tingram]

doppler,

The dual 250 electronics.. what make were those?

Tony.

[Doppler]

tingram,I'm not sure what brand to get yet.I'm leaning toward Coralvue

[tingram]

Coralvue makes a dual ballast?, I thought they were individual ballasts...

I was looking toward the PFO HQI Dual Ballas and was wondering if anyone has any comments on these.

Tony.

[Doppler]

I'd have to go with 2 retro kits,http://www.tridacnareef.com/ has a great deal on them

[tingram]

actually diyreef.com has a slightly better deal