Luminarc, Icecap and ? bulb

[GTR]

I should soon get the Luminarcs (3) and think I'll pair them with the Icecap ballasts even though I may not get the most out of a particular bulb that way. Looking around a Sanjay's tests I don't see much using the Icecap 400w. Am I overlooking it in the list of links, or did the Icecap miss the test from the problems with it a year or so ago.

I'm only lighting tanks 12" deep but want to get as much spread as possible so they will be higher up. I'm not concerned with how the color appears to me but how the corals react to the color of the bulb.

SteveU

[OUinLA]

Not sure about that ballast, but i'm sure Chuck will let us know before too long. I sent you a PM about the reflectors. Also, the company i got them from is going to sponsor RC so they will have a forum for Q and A. They also claim that their ballasts are better than Ice Cap/Blue Wave. Also....they have another Diamond Lumenarc that is a few inches smaller than the luminarc III's. It's not even out yet, so don't ask if you can change your order

[moonpod]

Well, for SE bulbs, the eballasts are pretty much as good as any choice short of using the sonagro and acknowledging that they will kill your bulbs rapidly. The interesting ballast is the Taiwanese HQI, b/c this is a true MH ballast, but I can't really seem to find it anywhere, though I suspect that Tat of Taam could get 'em.

The 400w bulb that Sanjay is gung ho about is the EVC 10k. It runs best on a probe start though I think.

The IC 400w actually had a LOT of complaints initially--they actually pulled it from the market for awhile. I think they fixed the problems though. I can't swear to that though. The 220v version apparently was no probs, but the 110 was a disaster. I have not heard of many complaints about the EVC, CV, etc... eballasts.

Personally I will be playing around with the lumenarc and a PFO probe start.

[scottw]

yeppers I have a guy that is building them as well, they should be out in 2 weeks or so, its smaller so it will fit in your hood, i should be getting one in to test soon.

I dont like the Icecap 400 watt ballast, too weak as far as Eballasts go. I have had a lot of luck with Coralvue electronic ballasts. GQJEFF is using them now, he is out tanning he will be back in a bit, Ill pm him link to this thread, let him tell you what he thinks.. He is using CV ballast, with 20k xm bulbs.

[GTR]

I don't have any issues with space for the luminarc so size doesn't matter.
At this point I don't even own a 400w so this will be the first. I've got 5-250's and want to try a 400.
Like I said I'm not looking for pleasing color to my eye but for really for growth.

Chuck your comment on bulb life is very important. I can't be replacing bulbs every 6 months.
SteveU

[scottw]

so size doesn't matter.
SteveU

Just because your wife lied to you doesnt make it right lmao

[moonpod]

OOOHHHH just don't go there scott.....

[Aged Salt]

Yea, I can feel the ripple all the way from California Bob

[GTR]

If she's been make'n it up for 23 years all I can say is I found a keeper!