Best Ballist?

morphlingman · 05/08/2008, 09:17 PM

I am building a canopy for a 72"x18" tank and thinking of using T5's with Ice Cap ballasts. Either eight 3' lights or four 5' lights. Are Ics Caps one of the best?

ILoveReefer · 05/08/2008, 09:54 PM

Opinions may very on who makes the best but I think everyone will agree ice cap is a solid brand and a good choice.

qfrisco · 05/09/2008, 07:24 AM

Yes, Icecaps are very good, but keep in mind they overdrive the bulbs. For example, for 48" bulbs which are normally 54w, Icecaps will drive them with about 80w. This is what I have under my canopy, and I'm very happy with them.

With overdriven bulbs, proper cooling in your canopy becomes an absolute must, as the bulbs will generate more heat, and the excess heat can shorten the life of the bulbs. Although I've read with proper cooling, overdriven bulbs can still be good up to a year or so.

If you don't want to overdrive, Universal AccuStart or Vossloh-Schwabe are good ballasts.

05/08/2008, 09:17 PM	#1
morphlingman Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 130	Best Ballist? I am building a canopy for a 72"x18" tank and thinking of using T5's with Ice Cap ballasts. Either eight 3' lights or four 5' lights. Are Ics Caps one of the best?

05/08/2008, 09:54 PM	#2
ILoveReefer Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Cheektowaga Posts: 851	Opinions may very on who makes the best but I think everyone will agree ice cap is a solid brand and a good choice.

05/09/2008, 07:24 AM	#3
qfrisco Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Area Posts: 1,389	Yes, Icecaps are very good, but keep in mind they overdrive the bulbs. For example, for 48" bulbs which are normally 54w, Icecaps will drive them with about 80w. This is what I have under my canopy, and I'm very happy with them. With overdriven bulbs, proper cooling in your canopy becomes an absolute must, as the bulbs will generate more heat, and the excess heat can shorten the life of the bulbs. Although I've read with proper cooling, overdriven bulbs can still be good up to a year or so. If you don't want to overdrive, Universal AccuStart or Vossloh-Schwabe are good ballasts.