Icecaps ballast users please help me...

[ek9vboi]

I recently got my VHO set up, which consist of 4 x 24" bulbs. Everything plugs up and works WITH the exception of if one bulb is not plugged in then the rest will not stay on, they simply all turn off.

My experience with lighting (installed and fixed many ballast and so on commercially) I find it odd that it does this. Usually when one bulb is out, the others will stay on.

Is this the way the ballast is designed and does this happen to you guys (Icecaps florescent users)?

I ask this because I am planning to put on the hood tomorrow or within the next week and I would rather start off with 2 bulbs and move my way up to 4 bulbs eventually.

If I have to use all 4 bulbs at once, how would you recommend me to acclimate my corals to the lighting? I am trying to avoid the screen mesh thing.

 

[Rogger Castells]

I assume you have a ic430? if so, it can be wired for 2, 3, 4 bulbs, do you have the wiring diagrams? I think I may have them home if you need them, I could email later when I get home, let me know

 

[saltwaterfishlover]

http://209.204.76.225/660-4.htm

http://209.204.76.225/430-4.htm

http://209.204.76.225/trshoot.htm

 

[davester1]

I have the icecap 660 vho setup with (3) 5' bulbs. I noticed the same thing. reading in the manual it says if the ballast detects any issue with the wiring, the unit will shut off. Mine only works when all 3 bulbs are installed properly.

 

[ek9vboi]

I have the Icecap 430 ballast. From what I have read on my other threads it looks like what davester1 said is correct. Its more of a safety concern for the consumers when I think about it. These ballast do run a good amount of voltage to power bulbs and not to mention around water as well.

Thanks for you help guys.

Oh yeah, since I will be using the 4 bulbs about 4" from the water level will shortening down the photoperiod be ok? I was thinking of cutting it down to half of what it is now with my 65w x 2 PCs right now.

For those who advised me about a "mesh," can you provide more detail please? I'll be doing some research right now, but more info is always good.