Ice Cap Retro Kit

[kube]

Hi guys, been lurking around here for a while and have a question.
I was thinking about buying an Ice Cap Retro Kit for my 55 gallon.


Here is the description:
http://www.aquacave.com/48-4-lamp-complete-t-5-brretrofit-kit-by-icecap-1850.html#

Ice Cap Ballasts are the coolest ballasts available using 40% less electricity and burning 40% brighter. Their unique circuitry prevents premature lamp burn out and fading associated with VHO lamps.
You can run VHO, HO, and STD lamps in any combination. In summary, the Icecap 660 is a versatile and powerful ballast. IceCap Model 660 is the most versatile and powerful ballast.

Specific features include:
* Unsurpassed Versatility - A Model 660 can operate up to 16 lamp feet with a total of 464 rated lamp watts.
* Individual lamps can be 2 through 6 feet each. This corresponds to 12 different lamp configurations. Maximum light output with VHO and HO lamps.
* Cold temperature starts to -40 degrees Celsius.
* 3 Year Limited Warranty.

Retro Kit Includes:
* 4 Pairs T5 Endcaps
* 4 Pairs T5 Standoffs
* 4 SLR IceCap Reflectors
* 4 Sets T5 Reflector Clips
* 1 Power Cord (Grounded)
* Wire Nuts
* 1 IceCap 660 Electronic Fluorescent Ballast


SO if I run T5's what wattage would it be running it at? the 464? Is that what they call over driving the bulbs?

Also how do you run timers on the lights? I would like the actinics to come on an hour before and turn off an hour after the day bulbs, how do you do this? Does the ballast have two power plugs to control each set of lights? Or do you have to put the timer in the wiring from the ballast to the lights. Thanks


Also is this a good kit for 299? any other options or good brands to look at? Thanks

 

[crvz]

Icecap does overdrive the bulbs. If you run a four foot 54W T5 bulb on the icecap 660, it will draw about 80W of power. In order to run some bulbs at different times, you'll need more than one ballast. That kit doesnt give that option. Also, if you decide to run with that, the overdriven bulbs will require to be cooled with fans, so keep that in mind.

I'm not saying it's a bad choice, I run 2 of those kits over my 150 gallon tank, but it does have a few limitations over some of the others out there. You may consider getting a normally driven T5 setup, something such as this, which will give you more control (with 2 ballasts, and includes bulbs).

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...tput_Retrofit_Kit_w!_Bulbs_by_Sunlight_Supply

 

[WaterKeeper]

:lol:

Sounds like an Icecap commercial to me. Yes, they do overdrive the T-5. A 39 watt T-5 HO runs close to 60 watts when overdriven. The good point is that it gives you more light; the downside is the tubes last only 25-30% as long as they do at their rated wattage.

Hi Kube
<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

Oh, I strongly suggest keeping your tank above -40° F or C, they are both exactky the same at -40, as even saltwater freezes.