whats the best dimmable ballast on market today

Hi all i would like to use a new digital ballast to replace my old 600 watt magnetic ballast, i would like some reviews and ideas of which ballast to purchase i have seen a lot but confused which to use, please help me i have choice from, please can you also tell what and why you prefer either,

ultra grow
gavita
light house hydro
hacienda
lumatak
future tech
quantom
digital sun
maxi bright
phantom

this IMO http://www.hydrofarm.com/product.php?itemid=11014 passive cooling/ great shielding and safety features............they also make it in a 600w that you want.....one of the lowest failure/return rates in the industry.........good luck

psuagro thanks i will look into that cheers is that what you recommend?

yep...............from all the growers I've seen using them, not ONE complaint/nada................happy shopping

i have read some good things on lumatek what do you think of them?

phantom all the way

my personal reccomendation isnt on your list.

but of those listed, i havent personally used, but as stated above, have heard no issues.
Phantom

i have a lumeteck that keeps blowing the breaker after 2 years of use so i bought a Apollo with 3 year warranty 180 bucks and i will try and fix the lume for a spare.

It isn't on your list but apollo makes a quality ballast with a three year warranty. It has all the same popular features as any other top brand ballast. Oh, It's just cheaper.

i have a quantum and have never had an issue, and i hear that phantoms are very nice as well..

thanks guys i would love to get a phantom ballast but not available here in uk. i need some good one available here.

bump.......

are quantum ballast s available in the UK? because that would also be a good option for you.....not many complaints from them either......good luck

I found this to be an informative read by NEMA on the general design characteristics mfg's should address within HID dimming design relative to lamp life and color shift. Since I'm not running any electronic ballast dimming HID systems I haven't done any of my own research on these. I would be interested in anyone's personal experiences with decreased lamp life or spectrum shift in dimmed mode especially if the lamps are started in settings that are lower than the 100% levels the lamp is rated at as it states here you are not advised to do.

'It is recommended that HPS lamps be started and operated in the full power mode, i.e., at rated wattage, for a minimum of 15 minutes before dimming. This is necessary to clean the arc tube of deposits from starting that would raise arc voltage and promote internal reactions within the alumina tube. If an interruption to the ballast input voltage should occur, the lamp may extinguish and require several minutes to re-ignite. The timing circuit should be reset for 15 minutes only after the lamp has restarted. If the input voltage activates the timer, then 20 minutes is recommended before dimming is resumed.'

http://www.isienergycontrols.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/NEMALSD14-2010Guidelines.pdf

superstoner1 said:

phantom all the way

Click to expand...

yes sir.

vilify said:

...Phantom

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exactly.

ive a few lumitec 600w with the super lumins button on it , the difference is impressive , you press the button and its cost you an extra 40 quid , of course the bulb doesnt get any brighter but having that magic button lightens your jeans pocket by £40 over the standard , the box says it does something , pressing the button you simply cant tell is theres a difference

then theres the 400/600/superfuckindooper600 lumitec , not once have i found a single reason to turn that dial , whoever heard of someone saying ``its too bright for my plants `` ? if you have little ones then use an appropriate light ( T5 , cfl ) , if there bigger you want that light to speed things along or make decent size nugs , the dials pointless and another 80 squid i wont see again , dam you gadgets dam you for being desirable

Lumatek is all I use and I own alot more than one if that says anything .. I have been trusting them since they came onto the scene and I will put no faith elsewhere ..

quantum is the best hid ballast you can get hands down. They were the only company to get most innovated tech awards for those ballasts. they have a 3 year warranty. Mine has been going for almost 4 years no problem. regardless of warranty if the fan goes out they replace it for free. they got cheaper in price ever since discount hydro acquired them last year. contact them or r&m supply for best deal. Or green coast hydro. they love stickin it to DH