T12 icecap's

wood0691 · 10/25/2011, 09:30 AM

the guy at the LFS is offering me a set of T12's icecap ballist to trade for my 5 year old biocube. im not sure about it myself and need a little input on them. are they good lights? what all can i keep in a 75G tank with a 4 bulb setup?

what all should i check when looking at the lights? (havent seen them yet)

tried this in the lighting section but cant get any answwers there so i'll giv it a shot here.

thegrun · 10/25/2011, 10:05 AM

Assuming this is going to be a reef tank, I would go with T-5 bulbs if I was going to go fluorescent. T-5's are much brighter and are available in a wide range of colors. You would be limited to low light demanding soft corals with T-12's.

sporto0 · 10/25/2011, 10:06 AM

Ok, clarify a few things, is it just a fluorescent ballast (icecap) or is it a 4 bulb t-12 fixture? You can keep a few lower light corals with regular fluoresecnt lighting, which is what t-8 & t-12 bulbs & connectors are. Ideally you would want a ballast that coud handle 4 VHO (very high output) fluoresecnt bulbs, t-8 or t-12 or a t-5 ballast & set up would allow you to keep most corals.

wood0691 · 10/25/2011, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sporto0

Ok, clarify a few things, is it just a fluorescent ballast (icecap) or is it a 4 bulb t-12 fixture? You can keep a few lower light corals with regular fluoresecnt lighting, which is what t-8 & t-12 bulbs & connectors are. Ideally you would want a ballast that coud handle 4 VHO (very high output) fluoresecnt bulbs, t-8 or t-12 or a t-5 ballast & set up would allow you to keep most corals.

its not a fixture,what he is doing, is taking my hood and putting 4 bulbs (T12 HO) in it and what he said it is the icecap ho ballast that will handle 4 bulbs. i dont know enough about them to just go by what he says, i have been burned on peoples word before.

sporto0 · 10/25/2011, 10:21 AM

Well to answer your original question, if you are looking to upgrade to a larger tank with better lighting, then it is a fair trade. How big is the hood & what size tank are you going to? 4 HO t-12 bulbs will allow you to keep most soft & some LPS corals without any problems. I would agree with thegrun about t-5's being the better choice for fluoresecnt lighting though.

jimsplace · 10/25/2011, 10:27 AM

I'm still somewhat confused, but if you are putting 4 VHO bulbs on a 75 gallon you can grow many corals except the most demanding acros. VHO may not be the most cost effective lighting, but it is a tried and true light. Don't believe anyone saying you cannot grow sps with VHO lighting. Check out my 90 gallon lit with only VHO. However if I was just starting out, I would look into other lights. I will eventually switch over to MH.

wood0691 · 10/25/2011, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sporto0

Well to answer your original question, if you are looking to upgrade to a larger tank with better lighting, then it is a fair trade. How big is the hood & what size tank are you going to? 4 HO t-12 bulbs will allow you to keep most soft & some LPS corals without any problems. I would agree with thegrun about t-5's being the better choice for fluoresecnt lighting though.

the hoos lid that holds the lights is 18x48, its a 75G tank. ive got MH lights now and dont want the added cost to my power bill. i figured the T12's would be cheaper to run.

wood0691 · 10/25/2011, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimsplace

I'm still somewhat confused, but if you are putting 4 VHO bulbs on a 75 gallon you can grow many corals except the most demanding acros. VHO may not be the most cost effective lighting, but it is a tried and true light. Don't believe anyone saying you cannot grow sps with VHO lighting. Check out my 90 gallon lit with only VHO. However if I was just starting out, I would look into other lights. I will eventually switch over to MH.

i have MH now and dont want the cost added to the power bill is why i was looking into the T12's, if the T5' run cheaper then i'll go that route but dont know if they would or not. oh, plus the heat from these MH are crazzzzyyy.

sporto0 · 10/25/2011, 10:42 AM

Well the t-12's will definitely be cheaper than MH's to run, that set up should work fine for a 75g tank, good luck to you.

wood0691 · 10/25/2011, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sporto0

Well the t-12's will definitely be cheaper than MH's to run, that set up should work fine for a 75g tank, good luck to you.

Thanks for the help/input sporto

wood0691 · 10/25/2011, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sporto0

Well the t-12's will definitely be cheaper than MH's to run, that set up should work fine for a 75g tank, good luck to you.

what number should i be looking for on the bulbs them selfs. F48T12 or what? color temp wise? im going to buy extra bulbs to have on hand. or if i can get a link to a place for bulbs thats good too.

wood0691 · 10/25/2011, 02:09 PM

no addvice on the bulb number or color temp?

sporto0 · 10/25/2011, 04:18 PM

Oh sorry, the #48 is the length I am guessing since you said the fixture is 18" x 48". I would get 2 daylight bulbs 10,000k & 2 super actinic bulbs R420NM. These are what I mean http://www.aquacave.com/super-actini...g-co-1149.html http://www.aquacave.com/aquasun-vho-...g-co-1147.html

Gonzalex · 10/25/2011, 04:35 PM

Im currently running a 4 bulb T12 VHO setup over my 120g. (working on upgrading) 2 white and 2 super actinic that I get off of BRS. (90 shipped for 4 bulbs). I have softies, LPS and a couple SPS that have grown about 1/4" in about a month and half. I think I've read that you can run T5's on the same ballast with different end caps, but dont quote me on that.

wood0691 · 10/25/2011, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sporto0

Oh sorry, the #48 is the length I am guessing since you said the fixture is 18" x 48". I would get 2 daylight bulbs 10,000k & 2 super actinic bulbs R420NM. These are what I mean http://www.aquacave.com/super-actini...g-co-1149.html http://www.aquacave.com/aquasun-vho-...g-co-1147.html

thats what i was looking for, right on the money...... Thank you sporto.

jimsplace · 10/26/2011, 05:23 AM

I would use 2 actinic white, 1 super actinic (03) and 1 454 bulb. The 454 is a true blue, higher par value and adds a lot of color to the tank.

billdogg · 10/26/2011, 06:28 AM

I have been using VHO bulbs on both of my tanks for over 20 years. (a 60g cube and a 6x2x20" 150g) I have had no problem keeping anything other than very demanding SPS. You may have to be careful about placement, but they are a very good option IMO.

You may also take a look at www.hellolights.com - They have good prices and fast shipping. I use a combination of super actinic (for color) and actinic white on my systems.

I will be upgrading the 60g to LED soon, but only because my wife went with me to the CORA fragswap and seems to like some of the really pretty stuff that requires more light.
(I let her talk me in to it - yeah - that's what I did.......:-)

wood0691 · 10/26/2011, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimsplace

I would use 2 actinic white, 1 super actinic (03) and 1 454 bulb. The 454 is a true blue, higher par value and adds a lot of color to the tank.

is that the combo you use on your tank? its looking amazing in the pictures.

jimsplace · 10/26/2011, 10:37 AM

Thanks. Yes, white front and back with the 03 and 454 in the middle.

shifty51008 · 10/26/2011, 02:25 PM

depending on what MH lights your using a 4 bulb T12 unit is gonna use 440 watts, a dual 250 watt mh unit is 500 watts, so yes you will be saving some energy, and heat. but you can keep alot of diff. corals under the T12's just fine.

wood0691 · 10/26/2011, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shifty51008

depending on what MH lights your using a 4 bulb T12 unit is gonna use 440 watts, a dual 250 watt mh unit is 500 watts, so yes you will be saving some energy, and heat. but you can keep alot of diff. corals under the T12's just fine.

the MH i have is a dual 175 watt, so that makes it 350 watts. im sstill going to be better off with the T12 right????

IslandCrow · 10/26/2011, 11:35 PM

Wood, you keep saying it's a HO ballast, but everyone else seems to assume you're talking VHOs. If it's Icecap's electronic VHO ballast, I'd actually go with T5 HO lighting with individual Icecap reflectors, which the Icecap ballast will overdrive. 4 of those will put your two 175w halides to shame.

Now, if we are indeed talking just HO T12s and not VHO, personally, I'd stick with the MH.

wood0691 · 10/27/2011, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IslandCrow

Wood, you keep saying it's a HO ballast, but everyone else seems to assume you're talking VHOs. If it's Icecap's electronic VHO ballast, I'd actually go with T5 HO lighting with individual Icecap reflectors, which the Icecap ballast will overdrive. 4 of those will put your two 175w halides to shame.

Now, if we are indeed talking just HO T12s and not VHO, personally, I'd stick with the MH.

please forgive me for the typo, it is a VHO icecap ballast 4 bulb setup. im still learning about lights for the reef tanks, im now thinking about going with LED but not sure if the one at the LFS is enough for my tank. i dont have the info on it right now other than its on sale for (437.00) fits 48" to 60" tanks. i'll call them back and get the watts and other ratings plus name brand when they open.

10/25/2011, 09:30 AM	#1
wood0691 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Birmingham Alabama Posts: 329	T12 icecap's the guy at the LFS is offering me a set of T12's icecap ballist to trade for my 5 year old biocube. im not sure about it myself and need a little input on them. are they good lights? what all can i keep in a 75G tank with a 4 bulb setup? what all should i check when looking at the lights? (havent seen them yet) tried this in the lighting section but cant get any answwers there so i'll giv it a shot here.

10/25/2011, 10:27 AM	#6
jimsplace Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 633	I'm still somewhat confused, but if you are putting 4 VHO bulbs on a 75 gallon you can grow many corals except the most demanding acros. VHO may not be the most cost effective lighting, but it is a tried and true light. Don't believe anyone saying you cannot grow sps with VHO lighting. Check out my 90 gallon lit with only VHO. However if I was just starting out, I would look into other lights. I will eventually switch over to MH. __________________ Jim Current Tank Information; - 90 Gallon DT / 30 Gallon Sump - SPS Dominate - IC VHO Lighting

10/25/2011, 04:35 PM	#14
Gonzalex Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 158	Im currently running a 4 bulb T12 VHO setup over my 120g. (working on upgrading) 2 white and 2 super actinic that I get off of BRS. (90 shipped for 4 bulbs). I have softies, LPS and a couple SPS that have grown about 1/4" in about a month and half. I think I've read that you can run T5's on the same ballast with different end caps, but dont quote me on that. __________________ 120g Mixed Reef, 40g sump, ASM Skimmer, Tek light 8 Bulb T5, MP40wES 12g JBJ Nano Cube Mixed reef.

10/26/2011, 05:23 AM	#16
jimsplace Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 633	I would use 2 actinic white, 1 super actinic (03) and 1 454 bulb. The 454 is a true blue, higher par value and adds a lot of color to the tank. __________________ Jim Current Tank Information; - 90 Gallon DT / 30 Gallon Sump - SPS Dominate - IC VHO Lighting

10/26/2011, 06:28 AM	#17
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	I have been using VHO bulbs on both of my tanks for over 20 years. (a 60g cube and a 6x2x20" 150g) I have had no problem keeping anything other than very demanding SPS. You may have to be careful about placement, but they are a very good option IMO. You may also take a look at www.hellolights.com - They have good prices and fast shipping. I use a combination of super actinic (for color) and actinic white on my systems. I will be upgrading the 60g to LED soon, but only because my wife went with me to the CORA fragswap and seems to like some of the really pretty stuff that requires more light. (I let her talk me in to it - yeah - that's what I did.......:-) __________________ 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

10/25/2011, 10:05 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Assuming this is going to be a reef tank, I would go with T-5 bulbs if I was going to go fluorescent. T-5's are much brighter and are available in a wide range of colors. You would be limited to low light demanding soft corals with T-12's.

10/25/2011, 10:06 AM	#3
sporto0 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Posts: 2,924	Ok, clarify a few things, is it just a fluorescent ballast (icecap) or is it a 4 bulb t-12 fixture? You can keep a few lower light corals with regular fluoresecnt lighting, which is what t-8 & t-12 bulbs & connectors are. Ideally you would want a ballast that coud handle 4 VHO (very high output) fluoresecnt bulbs, t-8 or t-12 or a t-5 ballast & set up would allow you to keep most corals.

10/25/2011, 10:21 AM	#5
sporto0 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Posts: 2,924	Well to answer your original question, if you are looking to upgrade to a larger tank with better lighting, then it is a fair trade. How big is the hood & what size tank are you going to? 4 HO t-12 bulbs will allow you to keep most soft & some LPS corals without any problems. I would agree with thegrun about t-5's being the better choice for fluoresecnt lighting though.

10/25/2011, 10:42 AM	#9
sporto0 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Posts: 2,924	Well the t-12's will definitely be cheaper than MH's to run, that set up should work fine for a 75g tank, good luck to you.

10/25/2011, 02:09 PM	#12
wood0691 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Birmingham Alabama Posts: 329	no addvice on the bulb number or color temp?

10/25/2011, 04:18 PM	#13
sporto0 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Posts: 2,924	Oh sorry, the #48 is the length I am guessing since you said the fixture is 18" x 48". I would get 2 daylight bulbs 10,000k & 2 super actinic bulbs R420NM. These are what I mean http://www.aquacave.com/super-actini...g-co-1149.html http://www.aquacave.com/aquasun-vho-...g-co-1147.html

10/26/2011, 10:37 AM	#19
jimsplace Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 633	Thanks. Yes, white front and back with the 03 and 454 in the middle. __________________ Jim Current Tank Information; - 90 Gallon DT / 30 Gallon Sump - SPS Dominate - IC VHO Lighting

10/26/2011, 02:25 PM	#20
shifty51008 12-5 Chiefs record Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NW Iowa Posts: 10,134	depending on what MH lights your using a 4 bulb T12 unit is gonna use 440 watts, a dual 250 watt mh unit is 500 watts, so yes you will be saving some energy, and heat. but you can keep alot of diff. corals under the T12's just fine. __________________ 75 gal. mixed DT, 100 gal. sump, 50 gal. fuge, Clownfish breeder

10/26/2011, 11:35 PM	#22
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	Wood, you keep saying it's a HO ballast, but everyone else seems to assume you're talking VHOs. If it's Icecap's electronic VHO ballast, I'd actually go with T5 HO lighting with individual Icecap reflectors, which the Icecap ballast will overdrive. 4 of those will put your two 175w halides to shame. Now, if we are indeed talking just HO T12s and not VHO, personally, I'd stick with the MH. __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?

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