May be a stupid question, but...

[Jenn]

I have been looking at our sponsors pages (Hellolights, IceCap, etc...) as well as other sites & reviews and have seen conflicting info., so maybe someone here can help.

I am in need of a new ballast(s) for my 4- 48" T5 bulbs (can be 2 separate ballasts) and was particularly looking into the IceCap brand. I have seen T5 mentioned, but when I go to lamp descriptions/specs, I only see T12 & T8s.

Can anyone help me out or give me a recommendation?

Thanks,
Jenn

[TexasState]

Last time I checked (several years ago), Icecap can run T12, T8 and T5. There are other brands of ballast that you can buy for cheaper. I would buy two so you can control the daylight and actinic separately.

[Jenn]

Thanks Vinh. I see that they advertise to sell the T5 endcaps, so it would only make sense that they are compatable, but just wanted to be sure.
I have 2 separate ballasts now, but they are giving me a lot of problems. I have read some awesome reviews and see that IceCap holds its resale value pretty well.

[dwdenny]

If you do decide to do IC then use the 660 it will also overdrive your T5 to about 80w. If not just go with 2 WH ballast from Polkster or the Triads. the 440 can only run two lamps if I remember right from a thread on RC. Might want to look at the vendor forum there to make sure. HTH

[Jenn]

Wow, I had no idea that the 660 would push them to about 80w each! That's great info! Thanks!

I had the Triad ballast first - it ended up shorting out & melting. I have been using AquaRay and have been overall impressed, but think they are going out because they keep shutting themselves off and then back on again after a day or 2. We have completely re-wired and bought new bulbs and are still having issues. I can't keep having my corals & clams going through "dark" days, so figured its time to move up the ladder.

I have seen that the 430s hold up to 330 watts so thought that would be plenty for 4 - 54w T5s.

[SBreef]

The IC ballasts will NOT runa total of 330w T5. Check with IC's forum on RC and you will find out the number of T5's they will run. T5's require more current to drive them, so the old buld configurations for the IC ballasts do not apply to T5's

[Jenn]

So will the 660 run them? I have been reading up on ICs page, but am just learning about all these configs and don't fully get it yet..... :blink

[Jenn]

The 660 spec sheet states a lamp load of "4 @ 110"....I assume that is per bulb, correct?

[SBreef]

The 660 will run T5's, but you can not coumt wattage. Re: 4ea 110w VHO's. I think if I remember correctly, the 660 will only run 3ea 54w T5s.

[SBreef]

From Icecap on RC:

The 430 ballast will run a maximum of 2 T-5 lamps. The 660 will run 4 of the 4 foot T-5 lamps or 3 of the 5 foot T-5 lamps.
Along with the reflectors you will of course need the t-5 end caps.

[Jenn]

Geez, where did you see that? I have been researching for like 2 hrs. and didn't see that. I really appreciate it, thanks! I have all the H2Oproof caps and reflectors, just needing to find a reliable ballast.

Thanks again Roy. :D

[SBreef]

No problem Jenn. And good luck!