This ballast will power any metal halide 250W bulb. It does not over-drive the bulb, so output will be at the bulb manufacturer`s specifications. By using a constantly changing, very high frequency, the ballast will light any bulb without flicker. Longer bulb life and other features makes this the best ballast for all metal halide applications.
IceCap uses its unique, patented operating system, which allows you to save energy without compromising light output. By applying lower voltage across the lamp, energy consumption is reduced and lamp life is expected to be increased.
Advantages:
- Energy Savings of over 10% from High Efficiency
- Longer Lamp Life due to constant output
- Longer Ballast life due to low heat
- Compact Size to fit most fixtures
- High Frequency Operation is flicker & noise free
- Savings on air conditioning costs
Quality:
- Built-in circuit protection
- High Voltage, High Current Protection
- High Temperature Shut-Down
- Improper Wiring Protection
- Automatic Bulb Failure Shut-Down
- Automatic Resetting
- Starts in Cold Temperature
- Starts in Low Voltage Environments
- Allows up to 30 feet between Lamp and Ballast
Specifications
Wiring Diagram:

Specifications:
| Description |
MH-250HQI |
| Lamp |
MH-250W |
| Lamp Spec: Voltage |
130V |
| Lamp Spec: Current |
2.1 Amps |
| Input Voltage |
120V A/C |
| Input Current |
2.35A Max. |
| Power Factor |
>92% |
| Lamp Current Crest Factor |
<1.8 |
| Operating Frequency |
70–90KHz |
| Ignition Voltage |
1.6KVp |
| Starting Time |
<3 minutes |
| Restarting Time |
5-6 minutes |
| Minimum Starting Temp
|
-4F or -20C |
| Max Allowed Area Temp |
<122F or <50C |
| Max Mounting Distance |
33 feet |
| Flicker |
none |
| Sound Rating
|
A |
| Enclosure Overall Dimensions—inches |
8.4 x 3.7 x 2 |
| Enclosure Overall Dimensions—metric |
214 x 94 x 52 |
| Weight |
3 lbs/1.4Kg |
What's in the Box
- Ballast
- 6` grounded power cord
- 6" cord with Molex connector
Manufacturer Info
Ice Cap Aquarium Supplies
IceCap has been introducing innovative lighting products into the aquarium hobby for more than two decades. The company is committed to producing benchmark quality products and has set the standard for efficiency and reliability. IceCap is committed to nurturing and supporting an increasingly self-sustaining hobby of coral reef enthusiasts. IceCap started the R.E.E.F. Foundation to encourage and facilitate recycling, education and a more conscientious use of both living and material resources. We carry a variety of IceCap aquarium lighting supplies including bulbs, fixtures, retrofit kits and accessories.
IceCap 250 Watt Electronic Metal Halide/ HQI Ballast
Reviews
Much better!
by
CHAD FAUROTE
Excellent!
Posted: 3/21/2011 from ROMULUS, MI UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
I bought an Odyssea 48" 250w HQI DE fixture. Didn't realize what a peice of junk it was until I started reading reviews. Switched out the ballasts with these IceCaps and it made a world of diffence. Also bough 2 phoenix 14K bulbs. Corals really pop now. Got rid of the greenish/white tint that the odyssea 15k bulbs produced. The only thing to watch out for with these ballasts is the molenex(sp?) is only about 6" long so if you have any distance to go to get to the connectors off the lights, you will need to buy extention cords.
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Ice Cap elecrtronic ballast
by
AcanMan
Excellent!
Posted: 3/5/2011 from SAINT MICHAEL, MN UNITED STATE
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
Only had it running for a few hours so far, but I noticed the light was brighter and the bulb statred great. Very easy to wire in and set up. I will buy nothing but an Ice Cap ballast from now on!
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awesome power
by
WADE MCCULLIN
Great
Posted: 9/15/2010 from TYLER, TX UNITED STATES
4.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
I am very happy with the force the ballast uses to push the halide huge difference in coral coloration and size already and ive only had it on for approx. 5 days. The only downfalls to the ballast are the length of the plug from ballast to fixture is a little short for me you basically have three ft of cord to work with from the light to the ballast, and it does not have an on off switch which is not very critical due to the fact that you can use a timer. Overall this is a great product and i have already recommended it to friends. For the money it is an awesome product with amazing force pushing the halide
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Icecap 250W MH
by
RangerSEB
Excellent!
Posted: 6/28/2010 from MANKATO, MN UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
I have the Icecap running along side a cheaper imported ballast, and there is a huge difference. The icecap side is much brighter, and coral and coraline colors are much more vivid. The other ballast looks washed out, and more yellow. I'm going to replace the other ballast with an Icecap ASAP!
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Incorrect info in description.
by
MARK SCOTT
Great
Posted: 3/29/2010 from BECKLEY, WV UNITED STATES
4.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
I have not hooked up my 400w icecap ballasts yet because the description is wrong. It says their is a 10' output cable with 4" exposed wire for wiring to mogul base. When I received the units, they had a 1' cord with a female plug! I looked everywhere to find the plug locally but no one carries anything like it. So I'll have to order it and pay additional shipping. I'm sure the ballasts will be great but make sure you order the male plug to go along with them.
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Ice Cap 250MH Ballast
by
Tank o Tang
Excellent!
Posted: 3/20/2010 from BRIDGEPORT, CT
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
Ice Cap's are the only ballasts I will light my tanks with.
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Great Ballast
by
Justin
Excellent!
Posted: 3/13/2010 from MADISON, WI UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
This is my first metal halide system, but it works great. Doesn't run too hot. Has nice mounting brackets.
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icecap 250 ballast
by
KEVIN TIMMERMAN
Average
Posted: 2/17/2010 from FORBES, MN UNITED STATES
3.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
i like the ballast the only thing that turnd me off is u need to buy the male diconect sepret the should give more info when u buy them like what else u need to hook them up an they should come complete with plug an wire but icecap makes great stuff i like it other then that
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WOW
by
SEBASTIAN
Excellent!
Posted: 1/14/2010 from LAKE ZURICH, IL UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Expert
Comments:
I'm in a "reef business" for over 7 years. I just replaced my old Odessa ballast with this one and all I have to say is WOW .......... the old bulbs that I have are much brighter now then when they were new on old ballast. WOW. best $130 spent in my tank.
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IceCap Electronic Metal Halide
by
STEVEN HERL SR
Excellent!
Posted: 1/12/2010 from GURNEE, IL UNITED STATES
5.0
5
Experience Level:
Intermediate
Comments:
This is the one of the best Electronic Metal Halide Ballast i have used. It will make you bulbs pop with color !!! starts quick to, and not to hot to the touch.
I would recomend this one first.
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