MH techno question

[Oceans Ferevh]

This is a two part question:

1) Is Icecap the best ballast out there. Opinions/experiences

2) I have a couple of Aqua Medic 250W pendants. I would like to use Icecap ballasts on them but do not like the idea of stripping off the quick disconnects from the pendants.

To tell you the truth I havn't done much wiring and am a little intimidated by it.

I would like to utilize a ballast box type system for them. I have only found two different boxes offered though.

I've seen a PFO EL ballast box (for Icecap MH ballasts) $39.99 and an Icecap Bassast box $79.99. Would either of these work with the Aqua Medic pendant? Would the quick disconnects "connect" properly?

OR

Is it just not worth it to worry about it and just wire it strait to the MH pendants?

 

[Unarce]

I'm the same way when it comes to wiring. The quickconnects are likely different between manufacturer.

It should work fine as long as the wattage matches. There are quite a few variations between how certain bulbs look with certain ballasts. Hobbyists can go through so many combinations until they find what they like.

in regards to electronic ballasts, some might say they are the most efficient at power usage. Others feel, that they underdrive the bulb, making it look dim. Best thing to do is research the forums and see if you find pictures and reviews of what others have sampled, saving you a ton of time and money.

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah, giving icecap "the best" ranking is a little iffy. I think they are one of the most expensive ones though Also how good a bulb looks/works depends upon the bulb and the ballast.

How about instead of stripping the quick disconnects you add some to your ballasts (which ever ones you want).

Eitherway you can probably go cheaper than icecap if you're looking to save a few bucks and without sacrificing quality either.

 

[Len]

You will want the disconnect at some point in the future. If you ever have to take off the hood/canopy/pendant, it comes in VERY handy. And it's really easy to do (not technically harder then connecting them directly except it takes a little more labor).

I like my Icecap, but it does cause interference with my Neptune controller IF it is on the same circuit breaker. If it's further apart, I have no interference issues. Other then that, the only downside is the price. But considering they run all bulbs pretty well (according to Sanjay's AAOLM articles) and run a little cooler and are a little lighter, they were worth the price for me.

As for wiring, it can be intimidating, but let me reassure you: MH wiring is about the easiest thing to do, especially when you're just talking about the lead wires from the ballast to the socket. There will be one green wire for ground and two other wires for hot and neutral. Here's the beauty: it really doesn't matter if you change polarity, so don't worry about which of the two other wires connects to where. Just make sure the green wire goes to ground. The only tool you'll need is a good crimper and probably some butt splice connectors to connect wires together. I recommend you use heat shrink around the connections too to insulate.

The only draw back about cutting off the current disconnects and adding your own is you will devalue the resale of these pendants. Other then that, go for it. If you don't want to buy the pricey ballast box (it's not necessary), there are all sorts of disconnect options available. Heck, you could just use a male and female 3-prong power receptacle (e.g. from an extension cord) for this purpose). There are other disconnect options from Digikey that would work well too if you're interested.

PFO's disconnect harness and their ballast box is an option. I know for a fact that the problem with the Icecap's ballast box is it doesn't come with the opposing end's disconnect. They assume you will be connecting it to an Icecap pendant which is wired with that end's disconnect. Icecap tells you to buy the adapater yourself (e.g. from Digikey). Again, I know what part it is, so let me know if you go this route

 

[Oceans Ferevh]

Thanks for the responces guys. I have another question though which is posted another thread. T-5 vs MH

 

[trigger0214]

Metal Halide is the king (IMHO).

I am only runningone bulb, I have only bulb to replace once year, I have only one ballast.....plus I get the cool pendant light and open top tank I always wanted.......yada yada yada