T5 Help. retrofit kit help 18" uvl

[AMAYEU]

Hey Guys,

I do not know alot about t5/vho wiring and how to setup. Looking for help on T5 HO Retrofit to use a 18" UVL.

Where can you purchase as a kit or even indiviually? Ballast, wiring, endcaps, etc. Vendor sources would be great or the specs neeeded.

I want to complete a hybrid t5 led into the hood of a RedSea Max 130. The length of the t5 should fit, about 20" wide.

The goal is to remove my diy led and place... t5 / diy led strip / t5.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[zeroinverse]

Icecap 660s are versatile.
http://www.marinedepot.com/IceCap_6...lasts-IceCap-IC1111-FILTACBAFL-IC1121-vi.html

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2182071
$60 here.

 

[jkreefer]

I have a few t5 HO ballasts, and wiring. You just need to get t5 waterproof endcaps and standoffs. I can help you wire it up also.

 

[jkreefer]

A 660 is capable of running FAR more than you need. Its like getting a 200 gallon tank and filling it up with 30 gallons, you can still put a fish in there but no need to buy such a big tank to use so little of it.

 

[AMAYEU]

Just found out that someone's build used a workhorse 3. The endcaps are the hardest to find. I assume they are smaller because the thin and small 18" uvl bulbs. The endcaps are also not waterproof but the hood is enclosed with a splash guard.

I also have an old VHO ballast and will post the specs to see if it works.

I would love the help after finding all the parts. Beers and frags.

 

[AMAYEU]

Here are the details of a ballast I have. I just need to find it. Would this work or better off getting the right one and better brand?

If this is of no use, anyone can have it. Can bring to a meeting.

New Coralife 4 Lamp VHO Electronic Ballast.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=112653&stc=1&d=1273991580

As stated on Top of Ballast:
Coralife 4-Lamp VHO Electronic Ballast
Model AF908 for all 24" - 75 watt, 36" - 95 watt, 48" - 110 watt and spacesaver 21.5" - 75 watt, 33.5" - 95 watt and 45.5" - 110 watt lamps
Also operates HO (800ma) and standard (430ma) T-12 (1 1/2") Lamps
Another quality product from Energy Savers Unlimited, Inc Carson, CA USA

Bottom of Ballast:
Energy Savers Electronic VHO Ballast
Model #908 - 4
Serial # 1229
120 Volt AC 50/60 HZ 1-092997

Left Side of Ballast:
16 pins

Right Side of Ballast:
On/Off switch (or) reset button "I do not know"
***Note I do not see a power cord coming out the box. The ballast is completely enclosed and no screws to open. Has metal tacks/rivots (?) keeping it closed.

 

[jkreefer]

That would most likely work, but are you missing the 16 pin Molex conector? And the power cord plugs in I believe on the same side as the switch. Does it look like there is a plugin for the power cord as well? So basicly To be able to use this ballast you would need to locate or purchase both of those. Here is a link to waterproof endcaps and standoffs, they are not hard to find.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...6ZS4Cw&usg=AFQjCNEV2UtyjgDpzNQo2tKhbpK7mfGVfA

 

[lokii_37]

i think dr fosters sells water proof endcaps for t5 bulbs

 

[northbay-reefer]

Mike the coralife is the icecap 660, they took it over when icecap went out of business. If you buy that ballast, you will also need the harness that comes with it. I know how to wire it so you can bring it by my house and I'll hook it all up for you. The VHO will overdrive the t5 and lessen the life of your bulbs so you need to keep that in mind.

I also have a couple of t5 HO ballasts laying around that you can use. LMK

 

[AMAYEU]

Bringing this back...

On t5 endcaps, what is the difference between the popular waterproof and these shunted ones. http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/pa...t-twist-lock-socket-each-shunted-aag0005.html

This build only has a space of 4.25"x20" enclosed space. Planning 3 rows. T5/led/t5. The waterproof endcap is about 2" wide. That's 4". There's about 1-2 inchese between the both bulbs after twisted in. The led heatsink is 1.4"x18". Maybe the shunted is better bc it's smaller...maybe 1-1.5"?

 

[northbay-reefer]

The shaunted one is all you need if you have a thin sheet of acrylic coverin your hood then you will be fine with using that. I've used those type in my tank for years without the cover and it is doing fine.

 

[AMAYEU]

This refelctor

http://www.hellolights.com/18inch-single-lamp-parabolic-t5-reflector.aspx

Or stock from the tank

http://www.google.com/search?q=rsm1...AQ&biw=1024&bih=672#biv=i|1;d|FYiWGWsSB7fuNM:

Does it matter?

 

[northbay-reefer]

Yes it does matter, get the first one

 

[AMAYEU]

Thanks for everyone's help. I picked up a 2x24w retrofit with reflectors from Shane. Oh, not to mention enough bulbs to last me 4 years.lol. Thanks Shane. Ati aquablue plus for the win! So many color options.

 

[shaneh]

glad it worked out for you.