Best Ballast(s) For 4 T12VHO bulbs

[degibson84]

my father in law is looking at using T12 VHO bulbs on his 300 gallon setup. He already has endcaps and everything is wired but he is having trouble finding a ballast or 2 that will power them. What are some good options? He had icecaps and coral vue before but those are very old and not working properly

 

[DaveK]

Before they went under Icecap VHO ballasts were about the best you could get.

Nowadays I use Fulham Workhorse Ballasts. You will need to carefully search the models available and match them to the bulbs you want to use. These are instant start ballasts, so you need to take that into account when you install them. The ballasts are electronic, small, and lightweight.

There are also other brands that will work also.

 

[degibson84]

the bulbs are going to be 72 inch to cover the tank. i dont see any of the Workhorses that list F72T12VHO

 

[DaveK]

You will need to look at the ballast specs. Many of them can run between 1 to 4 bulb depending upon the wattage of the bulbs being used. The specs for each individual ballast will often give various wiring diagrams for the different bulbs. You will likely need at least 2 ballasts for 4 bulbs.

 

[Doogle]

Coralvue ballasts

 

[AJ REEF]

Yup, I have an icecap 660 running two 72" VHO They are now made under the coralvue name. You can have your old ballasts serviced through coralvue. IceCap 660 & 440 Fluorescent Ballast Repair Service | CoralVue

Shipping 72" bulbs often cost as much as the bulbs. One of the drawbacks to that approach.

 

[degibson84]

We went down to the local electric supply company and they sold us a ballast for $40 that lights up 2 of the 72" VHO

 

[degibson84]

also wondering if 4 of these would work on a 220 at 160W each thats almost 3W per gallon

 

[jerry26]

A 220 will handle that easy. My light pulls a total of 820 watts from a 110.

Well that may be wrong. How many ballasts running how many bulbs and what bulb wattage?

 

[degibson84]

A 220 will handle that easy. My light pulls a total of 820 watts from a 110.

Well that may be wrong. How many ballasts running how many bulbs and what bulb wattage?

Each bulb is 160W. Looking at running 2 bulbs per ballast. Also plan on doing mixed reef eventually

 

[AJ REEF]

That should work out fine for now. You could always remove two bulbs and add some halides in the future if you need them.

 

[DaveK]

We went down to the local electric supply company and they sold us a ballast for $40 that lights up 2 of the 72" VHO

My only question would be, what kind of ballast did they sell you? Often all the local guys carry are the old coil and core ballasts. They draw far more power than electronic ballasts. This can cost you a lot long term.

 

[SubRosa]

My only question would be, what kind of ballast did they sell you? Often all the local guys carry are the old coil and core ballasts. They draw far more power than electronic ballasts. This can cost you a lot long term.

Easy way for a blind person to tell them apart. When you pick it up an electronic will feel about as heavy as a cardboard box, an old style coil will feel like a brick.

 

[degibson84]

I believe they are Phillips Advance Electronic ballasts. I didn't purchase any for my tank yet just for the in laws tank.

 

[DaveK]

Looks like your all set to go then.
Good luck!

 

[AJ REEF]

How are the ballasts working out for you?

 

[degibson84]

i haven't added them to my tank(very slow build just planning and slowly adding equipment) they have been great on my father in laws 300

 

[AJ REEF]

Good to hear they are working out on your father-inlaws tank.