VHO ballast

dez_2121 · 10/30/2009, 05:11 PM

I have a 440w VHO retro kit and i was woundering if you could use that ballast for t5's if so how many? i know i would have to change the end caps but could that power t5's with out any major changes any ideas

thanks
dez

billdogg · 10/30/2009, 05:18 PM

check with icecap to make sure, but yes, i think you can. I believe it will overdrive them somewhat so they might not last as long

James77 · 10/30/2009, 05:23 PM

The 660 Icecap can power up to 4-54w T5s or 3-80w T5s, not sure on the amounts of others. It will overdrive the 54w ones to 84 watts and the 80w bulbs to ~100 watts.

Active cooling becomes especially important with OD bulbs because of the extra heat they will produce- it will kill the output and life if not cooled at all.

Fish_wiz2 · 10/30/2009, 05:30 PM

It needs to be an icecap though, i don't think many other brands are compatible. If it is then it should be fine, if not, don't try it as it could be dangerous. Wiz

superman100 · 10/30/2009, 06:58 PM

icecaps +1

dez_2121 · 10/30/2009, 07:05 PM

wow good info but that sucks cause i got a cheap ARO ballist

Bonsai Boi · 10/31/2009, 10:03 AM

ya, i defin agree. Icecap all the way!

10/30/2009, 05:11 PM	#1
dez_2121 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: south holland il Posts: 405	VHO ballast I have a 440w VHO retro kit and i was woundering if you could use that ballast for t5's if so how many? i know i would have to change the end caps but could that power t5's with out any major changes any ideas thanks dez __________________ time to upgrade!!!!!!! Current Tank Info: 125 gal in wall, softy tank about to upgrade to stixs lol, 6* 80w ATI T5, reef oct 2000 skimmer,30gal sump all connected to 55gal planted tank

10/30/2009, 05:18 PM	#2
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	check with icecap to make sure, but yes, i think you can. I believe it will overdrive them somewhat so they might not last as long __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

10/30/2009, 05:23 PM	#3
James77 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 8,158	The 660 Icecap can power up to 4-54w T5s or 3-80w T5s, not sure on the amounts of others. It will overdrive the 54w ones to 84 watts and the 80w bulbs to ~100 watts. Active cooling becomes especially important with OD bulbs because of the extra heat they will produce- it will kill the output and life if not cooled at all. __________________ Jim Current Tank Info: 120g Mixed Reef and 75g Freshwater

10/30/2009, 05:30 PM	#4
Fish_wiz2 Mangroves are kool. Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Chicago Posts: 5,246	It needs to be an icecap though, i don't think many other brands are compatible. If it is then it should be fine, if not, don't try it as it could be dangerous. Wiz __________________ -The Wiz Current Tank Info: Elos Mini Seahorse Tank, 2500 gallon Koi pond

10/30/2009, 07:05 PM	#6
dez_2121 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: south holland il Posts: 405	wow good info but that sucks cause i got a cheap ARO ballist __________________ time to upgrade!!!!!!! Current Tank Info: 125 gal in wall, softy tank about to upgrade to stixs lol, 6* 80w ATI T5, reef oct 2000 skimmer,30gal sump all connected to 55gal planted tank

10/30/2009, 06:58 PM	#5
superman100 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 50	icecaps +1

10/31/2009, 10:03 AM	#7
Bonsai Boi Moved On Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 74	ya, i defin agree. Icecap all the way!