purebullet417
Rimless Reef Club
thanks yours is nice to cant wait to see some updated pics though
Ultimate 20G Setup Journal - Pic Intense
- Thread starter DSparks
- Start date
DSparks
New member
My website is back up, and I've re-uploaded the pics that were somehow lost. We're back in business. 
The last few days have been great as far as tank progress goes. I've changed directions on the mounting plans for the pendant, finished building a custom ballast box, and installed the lighting.
The last few days have been great as far as tank progress goes. I've changed directions on the mounting plans for the pendant, finished building a custom ballast box, and installed the lighting.
DSparks
New member
PFO sells a ballast box that can be used to hook up thier pendants to Ice Cap ballasts. AFter looking at a few pics I realized that this could easily be replicated for less than half the cost.
I picked up a 8" x 6" x 3" project box and a lighted toggle switch at Radio Shack. I also purchased a soldering gun/kit from Lowes (it runs on butane, which is pretty cool). The rest can be best explained by the pics below...
I'm very pleased with the results. The ballast box being sold at Marine Depot runs $40. This one cost me just over $20.
I'm keeping an eye on the tempurature. So far it hasn't been a problem, but I haven't had it running for more than an hour at a time. I'll keep you posted on how it works out.
BTW, my first time soldering. It was much easier than I expected. Let this be a lesson for all of you out there who are apprehensive about digging into a DIY project. If I can do this stuff, anyone can.
I picked up a 8" x 6" x 3" project box and a lighted toggle switch at Radio Shack. I also purchased a soldering gun/kit from Lowes (it runs on butane, which is pretty cool). The rest can be best explained by the pics below...
I'm very pleased with the results. The ballast box being sold at Marine Depot runs $40. This one cost me just over $20.
I'm keeping an eye on the tempurature. So far it hasn't been a problem, but I haven't had it running for more than an hour at a time. I'll keep you posted on how it works out.
BTW, my first time soldering. It was much easier than I expected. Let this be a lesson for all of you out there who are apprehensive about digging into a DIY project. If I can do this stuff, anyone can.
dogstar74
Premium Member
I'm worried about the heat in the box. I'd vent it if I were you, or better yet, buy a small fan from a computer company and install that in the box.
For a real virgin run, I'd place that thing on the floor of my garage where it can't start a fire, and run it hard for 10 hours and feel the box after a good solid test. That should give you an indication if you're gonna burn the place down or not.
Also, about soldering, I burned my self the first time I ever tried it! Something I'll never forget, it was awesome! But dang it hurt! It makes you really feel good when a whole project comes together.
Your project looks fantastic though. I am so awe inspired by this whole thread!
For a real virgin run, I'd place that thing on the floor of my garage where it can't start a fire, and run it hard for 10 hours and feel the box after a good solid test. That should give you an indication if you're gonna burn the place down or not.
Also, about soldering, I burned my self the first time I ever tried it! Something I'll never forget, it was awesome! But dang it hurt! It makes you really feel good when a whole project comes together.
Your project looks fantastic though. I am so awe inspired by this whole thread!
DSparks
New member
I mentioned a change in how I'm mounting the pendant. I've ditched the wooden slats in favor of a piece of aluminum bar. As usual, I'll let the pics tell the story.
This new mounting method worked out really well. It's very sturdy, and much simpler than my previous approach. In case you can't tell from the pics, I painted it black with Rustoleum spray paint so that it matches the finish of the pendant.
I have say, the color on these 14K bulbs is amazing. I'm really debating the need for any supplemental actinic at this point. Throw in some moonlighting and I'll be all set.
This thing is freaky bright. The pendant seems to make all the difference in the world. It's well worth the $99 if you ask me. AMAZING!
This new mounting method worked out really well. It's very sturdy, and much simpler than my previous approach. In case you can't tell from the pics, I painted it black with Rustoleum spray paint so that it matches the finish of the pendant.
I have say, the color on these 14K bulbs is amazing. I'm really debating the need for any supplemental actinic at this point. Throw in some moonlighting and I'll be all set.
This thing is freaky bright. The pendant seems to make all the difference in the world. It's well worth the $99 if you ask me. AMAZING!
dogstar74
Premium Member
Unfortunately, no. And if I can play the devil for a minute, If you get a fan and d/c converter, aren't you up to the 40 dollar limit that you were attempting to avoid?
Also, thanks for switching to the aluminum rod to hang the pendant! And nice job, it looks really tight. Just so you know, you're my hero right now.
Oh yeah, and that's a handsome young man in your avatar!
DSparks
New member
Thanks Dogstar. He has a little brother on the way (found out the gender yesterday).
Yes, I'd be pretty close to the $40. I've always read that the Ice Caps run much cooler than other ballasts. I'll do the test and see how it goes. I don't recall seeing any venting or fans on the Marine Depot box, so hopefully everything will be OK. Keep your fingers crossed.
Yes, I'd be pretty close to the $40. I've always read that the Ice Caps run much cooler than other ballasts. I'll do the test and see how it goes. I don't recall seeing any venting or fans on the Marine Depot box, so hopefully everything will be OK. Keep your fingers crossed.
CoralFiend
New member
Maybe I missed it somewhere in the thread, but why did you want to put the ballast inside of an enclosure? I am with dogstar74 with concern on the heat issue.
Like the way you resolved the pendant mounting issue with the aluminum bar. Even looks neater.
Like the way you resolved the pendant mounting issue with the aluminum bar. Even looks neater.
Ocean In A Box
Member
Is the ballast box for aesthetics only?
Nice so far!
Matt
Nice so far!
Matt
Lagger
New member
Nice build project 
Looks great.
Any reason you mounted you pendant parallel? I have my mini pendant hanging perpendicular based on all the PFO information I've read. I'm sure it's much less important when the light doesn't escape out of the canopy.
I don't think you'll need any actinic supplementation. Keep it up! When's stocking day?!?
Looks great.Any reason you mounted you pendant parallel? I have my mini pendant hanging perpendicular based on all the PFO information I've read. I'm sure it's much less important when the light doesn't escape out of the canopy.
I don't think you'll need any actinic supplementation. Keep it up! When's stocking day?!?
You can purchase an AC fan instead of a DC fan. Then you would just need to wire it up in parallel to the ballast. That's a simplified explanation but it's very easy to do. Actually, Current USA's fixtures use AC fans fwiw.
If you do though, it's not a BAD idea to install a small fuse and/or a small diode in series with the AC fan just for safety.
That's easy for me to say cause I have a degree in electronics LOL i'll see if I can't draw something up for ya
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