Need a Lighting Refresher :-)

[bheron]

About 5 1/2 years ago I purchased by current lighting setup. All thanks to the amazing folks here on RC I felt like I really understood the technology, options available, and made a great purchase. But I think it might be time to upgrade or refresh...

- I have a 220g tank, 30" deep
- mostly interested in keeping softies
- back in Nov 2005 I purchased a 8 x 80w T5 retrofit setup
- the setup was powered by:
- 3 bulbs on an icecap 660
- 3 bulbs on an icecap 660
- 2 bulbs on an icecap 430

I believe I was "overdriving" the bulbs. the last few years I've had some issues with the ballasts. Sent all of them back, several times, to icecap. For awhile they fixed them free plus shipping. then they started charging $60+. the last one (430) was still at IC when they closed. One 660 is now also not working so I'm left with a single 660 powering three bulbs. :eek1:

Now that they're OOB I'm not really sure what to do next.
I really like the flourescent look but would be open to MH and also LED.

I just really dont know what they latest technologies are, how well they've been doing, the latest manufactuers, etc.

I'm going to start digging through here again and start researching all over.

Just wondering if anyone had some good tips??

 

[tozzi]

t-5's r still a great lighting option. Also check out led's

 

[bheron]

thanks. really like the t5s and pretty happy with them over the years. like the idea of the LEDs but I feel so overwhelmed and not sure where to start. just went to one mfgr's website that i trust and they had at least 3 different types of LEDs.

so LEDs have proven to be pretty good so far?

 

[jp634]

I would go with t-5 six or 8 bulb. I currently have a mix of halide 250 and t-5 I really like the t5 check any lighting question recommendation given by the grimm reefer he is a noted authority on lighting you can even ask him a question and he will reply

 

[bheron]

thanks. i forgot to say, Grim waqs such a HUGE help to me years ago i couldnt have done it w/out him. Im glad to hear he's still keeping everyone going on here.

So, what about T5 ballasts now that IC is out of business? I was thinking of looking to see if anyone was selling any used.

 

[sjm817]

The IC660s are still the best ballasts for 80W T5s. I believe Coralvue is now doing repairs on them. BTW, the 660s overdrive to ~ 100W. The 430 doesn't overdrive them to any significant degree.

http://coralvue.com/troubleshooting/lighting/icecap-660-430-fluorescent-ballast-repair/

 

[bheron]

The IC660s are still the best ballasts for 80W T5s. I believe Coralvue is now doing repairs on them. BTW, the 660s overdrive to ~ 100W. The 430 doesn't overdrive them to any significant degree.

http://coralvue.com/troubleshooting/lighting/icecap-660-430-fluorescent-ballast-repair/

Wow, wasnt aware of either. I would still use IceCap if someone was maintaining them. So thats great news! Also did know about the 430 thing.

Cool, if I can get some support from coralvue I'll probably just get my ballasts in order and stick with the same setup.

thanks so much!