250watt 12k Reeflux VS 175watt 15k Iwasaki

[Troy Valentine]

11271

Both the 250s and 175 are on Icecap ballasts. However the Iwasakis only draw 165 watts vs the 255watts the Reeflux needs.
255x3=765
165x3=495
Thats 36% less wattage!

Its amazing how bright these are, this picture doesn't do it any justice. Great option for the hobbiest looking to try something new.

[kkiel02]

You need to get the PAR meter that Dipan graciously let MAAST use. This is getting interesting.

So the Iwasaki is in the middle?

[ErikH]

Ha, guess what Troy.... I just picked up two 175s and some lumenbrights yesterday. :D

[Troy Valentine]

Ha, guess what Troy.... I just picked up two 175s and some lumenbrights yesterday.

Nice move:) Are you running them on Icecaps?


You need to get the PAR meter that Dipan graciously let MAAST use. This is getting interesting.

So the Iwasaki is in the middle?

I will, but first I want the see the growth/color I get out of these, and I am going to add a couple of 48" Reefbrites to the mix. I will be very curious to see the par reading I get out of that combination. I plan on running the LEDs for 12hr and the halides for only 7hr, similar to what Todd is doing with his VHO and 400 watt set up. I can only pray I get close to the results he is getting. Even if I only run the halides for 7 hrs the tank will still be getting the same amount of light it takes my 250s to do in 10.

And yes it is the one in the middle.

[CoryDude]

So, you finally did it. You're right, those 175w look just as bright, if not brighter, than the 250w. What's even more amazing is I figured the middle light was a lower rated kelvin than the sides, hence the brighter appearance. But, it's not!

Now, I need to come back and get some more video shots of your tank. My wife's gonna kill me if I keep coming home at midnight.

[ErikH]

No, not icecaps, but some new coralvue ballasts. I'll for sure check the par for comparison. I hope they drive the bulb well. you never know.

I bet you those iwasakis would tear those Reeflux to bits in a par comparison!

[Troy Valentine]

No, not icecaps, but some new coralvue ballasts.

They might be the same as the Icecaps. I was talking with Gabe a couple of weeks ago, and he was telling me that the new Coralvue could possibly be made with the same components as the Icecaps. I am glad you went this route, we must do a side my side comparison, and use my Killawatt meter to see the exact power draw with the Coralvue ballast. If they are identical I won't need to buy more icecaps for backup.

[ErikH]

Sounds like a plan, just got my reflectors all moved around and reinstalled tonight. I turned on the lights, and I am satisfied to say the least.

[Troy Valentine]

Cory,
I was going to wait, but I've got ZERO patients when it comes to trying out new equipment. I will be getting the other 2 Iwasakis next week, and I am looking forward to getting them fired up this weekend.

What's even more amazing is I figured the middle light was a lower rated kelvin than the sides, hence the brighter appearance. But, it's not!
Your right on... Sanjay listed the CCT at 14565 on an Icecap ballast. Great observation

[CoryDude]

Don't forget, I want dibs on the 2 remaining 250w ballasts.