Ballast question

[xrayrider]

I found a good deal on a Vertex 250 Watt Metal Halide/ HQI Electronic Ballast. Does anyone know anything about them, like how do they hold up? How well do they fire pulse start bulbs. I am trying to replace my ARO ballasts, because they don't always fire my Radiums on the first try, making it hard to use a timer. I don't want to buy 2 new ballasts, and have the same issue.

 

[xrayrider]

No One?

 

[Paul_N]

Those are newer ballasts. There is a review over at GBD on them.

Vertex Aquaristik Ballast Electronic Metal Halide | glassbox-design.com

 

[xrayrider]

Thanks for the tip, I appreciate it. I am at work, and our security software won't let me access that site, so I will check it out tonight from home.

 

[Paul_N]

Here is some of the info to hold you over:





On average Sanjay Joshi found the Vertex ballast to draw 7.7% less than the competing Galaxy and Lumatek. While this lower electric consumption did correspond to lower output, it was in direct correlation with one another and on par (pun intended) with both the Galaxy and Lumatek ballasts.
As an electronic, the Vertex ballasts can fire a myriad of bulbs, both double ended and single ended. We have not yet tested one out on the finicky Ushio 250 DE lamps, but users of the ballast have reported no problems so far. The exterior and interior seem to suggest the ballast is nearly the same, if not identical, to another electronic halide ballast on the reef lighting market.
All Vertex metal halide ballasts come with a 2 year warranty. Metal Halide lamps and a 150w Electronic Ballast are on the short list for future Vertex lighting products. Full stats on the 175, 250 and 400w models below:
Vertex Ballast Features

• Fully electronic, capable and versatile bulb management
• >0.99 Power factor for greatest efficiency
• UL & CE approved
• Finned, extruded aluminum casing maximizes heat dissipation while protecting electronic components
• Silent, unobtrusive operation
• Includes all necessary connections
• 2-year warranty

Technical Data

• Input Voltage 120V/230V
• Input Frequency 50/60Hz
• Power Factor >0.99
• Operating Temperature -10 ~ 50 °C (14 ~ 120 °F)
• Ignition Voltage 1.6KVp
• Starting Time < 5 seconds
• Restarting Time 5-6 Minutes

 

[xrayrider]

Thanks,
Sounds like they might be worth a try.