ARO Electronic Ballast - Good?

ReefGirlSara · Feb 10, 2009

I wanted to get 4 new style IceCap electronic ballasts, but I saw a good deal on some used ARO electronic ballasts. Anyone have experience with these?

EDIT: These are 250 watt MH ballasts.

Thanks!

Chris22582 · Feb 10, 2009

I have one running VHO's and havent had a problem with it. Seems to be a good ballast so far.

Burks · Feb 10, 2009

I have a 250w ARO for my DE, can't complain about it.

But I also cannot compare it to an IceCap. I was in a pinch and got it (new) and a new reflector for $90 shipped.

ReefGirlSara · Feb 10, 2009

Burks said:
I have a 250w ARO for my DE, can't complain about it.

But I also cannot compare it to an IceCap. I was in a pinch and got it (new) and a new reflector for $90 shipped.

Where was that? If you don't mind me asking.

revhtree · Feb 10, 2009

I have always used ARO and love them on my 250w MH.

kgross · Feb 11, 2009

ARO makes good ballasts.

Kim

jimmybling31 · Feb 11, 2009

mine is ok. I would rather have an icecap though.

revhtree · Feb 11, 2009

jimmybling31 said:
mine is ok. I would rather have an icecap though.

How come? For the name?

jimmybling31 · Feb 11, 2009

revhtree said:
How come? For the name?

no after seeing what they look like side by side with same bulb and reflector. the icecap had a much less blued out look to it with the 20k radium. the aro kinda looked more like a washed out blue instead of the crisp blue that came from the icecap.

kgross · Feb 11, 2009

You will find that most electronic ballasts will drive bulbs differently.

If you go here.

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/lighting

You can see the specs of lots of different bulbs on different ballasts. With different bulbs, the ARO ballast will give you a better look than the icecap ballast.

Kim