to Dual ballast or not to Dual ballast??

[reybeast]

I would like to add (2) 250w metal halides to my 90G along with (2)110w VHOs, and I have 2 choices, use a single (dual) ballast for both, or buy (2) seperate ballasts (one for each light). What is the preferred method? I have plenty of outlets, and plenty of room for either configuration. Is it less electricity for one unit or two? Is there an advantage to having two units vs one? It seems to be cheaper to buy the one (dual) unit.

[bimmerzs]

Only disadvantage's I see with using a dual ballast are:
1. If it needs servicing, you are totally in the dark
2. You will not be able to operate each light independantly if you use a controller/DC8 type setup.
3. Harder to mount due to size/weight
4. May have proprietary plugs so if you do need to borrow temp ballasts from someone, you may have to splice into the cables.
5. I really like Icecap ballast.....

Cheers,

[Joshua]

I like separate ballasts.

[JeffCo]

Yes, another vote for separate ballasts. Much easier to work with and they will stay cooler.

[mikedelgado]

seperate ballastsfor me.
I have only seen dual ballasts in the magnetic type. they are pretty big.

[alton]

One more vote for seperate ballast.

[dustint21]

I have seperate ARO ballast on my 90 gallon! Love them! They fire DE and SE bulbs!

[reybeast]

well, I guess the single ballast side wins...