should i rebuild my TEK fixture?

[cdub]

I have a 6 bulb TEK fixture that recently had a ballast go out. This ballast controlled 2 of the 6 bulbs inside the fixture. In talking with TEK I can send it back to them and they will look at it for me, and then charge the appropriate repair costs. I have been considering just getting an ice cap ballast and wiring it into the place currently occupied by the cheaper ballast.

This fall I am planning on upgrading to a larger tank and included in that plan was a T5 canopy with ice cap ballasts. My thought process is that rather than paying for another cheap ballast I would go ahead and get one I can use when building my canopy. What are everyones thoughts?

 

[james s_]

Those ballasts aren't exactly cheap in price or quality. FYI, They run around $59. Do you plan on overdriving the T5 lamps? If so then the Icecaps are your only choice. But if not then just replace your ballast with an equivalent.

 

[james s_]

BTW, How do you like your Tek fixture overall? I just bought two of the 48" 8 lamp fixtures.

 

[cdub]

i really like the fixture, it only has 6 normal output t5 bulbs so i don't get quite the growth on my sps that i would like. i've never had a problem with it until now. i'm just trying to get around investing money in something i won't need in 6 months.

 

[rockdog]

I have 2 lamp T5 ho ballast I am sure we could work something out on!! Shoot me a PM and we can talk. Not sure that it would be worth the trip to pick it up.

Jason