looking to upgrade MH Ballast

[gforce6]

Hi,
I am currently using PFO dual ballast(Not HQI) with XM10K 250W. I think I read some of post that different ballast producing different par and color of bulb. Now, I am thinking about either Icecap or PFO HQI. Does anyone in the club experienced both ballast? Can you give me some suggestion of those two ballast?

Jung

 

[bad coffee]

http://www.reeflightinginfo.arvixe.com/

B

 

[cali_reef]

Jung,

I have all three type of ballast and I also use the XM10K in my DLIII's.

The HQI will give you the most PAR(brightness) if you need the intensity, it will use the most electricity and give out the most heat too. The Icecap ballast drives the bulb a little more blue and the standard makes the bulb appear a little yellow.

Sanjay's site will give you the exact amp\watt consumptions and the PAR\PFFD numbers for each of the ballast with the XM10K bulb and other brands as well. Great resource to pick the light combination. He will be speaking at the November LIRA meeting if anyone is interested.

 

[gforce6]

Thanks for the link BC, and thank you Pierce,
Reason I am thinking about upgrading is most of my SPS are very light shade, I want my SPS look very rich and dark color. Everytime I see someone's tank with the color that I want, most of them have PFO HQI. So, what kind of ballast are you running Pierce?

Thanks