Is the IceCap 660 worth buying?

dc_909 · 09/01/2006, 01:34 PM

So, besides the fact that they overdrive T5 bulbs. Is there any reason to choose this ballast over other T5 ballasts.

Triad, advance, ballastwise, etc...

bassnman11 · 09/02/2006, 02:08 PM

If you have a narrow but deep tank, you might need to overdrive, depending on what you want to keep. Otherwise, no. They cost 4 or 5 times what the others do and draw more juice.

stereomandan · 09/02/2006, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bassnman11
If you have a narrow but deep tank, you might need to overdrive, depending on what you want to keep. Otherwise, no. They cost 4 or 5 times what the others do and draw more juice.

Well, they draw more juice because they make more light.

In my opinion, the IC660 is the most versatile ballast out there. It can run PC's, VHO's, T5's, T6's, T8's, T12's. You can mix and match bulbs on the ballast, and it can handle a lot of bulbs at once. 4 4ft. bulbs is a lot, or you can just run one bulb, or two, or...

If you get a dedicated T5 ballast, the versatility is gone and they don't put out as much light as the IC660.

I think www.petwarehouse.com has them on sale right now.

Dan

fat-tony · 09/02/2006, 04:37 PM

the most a 660 ballast will consume is 440 watts. As stated they are the most versatile you can get and on top of that you get a good warranty (3 years) and great service

goda · 09/02/2006, 08:24 PM

the warrentee alone is worth the ballast. i sent my ballas ttot hem 4 times so far from it blowing ( doing modifications using a dimmer.. it is my fault not the fault of the ballast) and they repaired it and send it back in a day.

also the ballast increases the life of the bulbs

kroe · 09/02/2006, 09:20 PM

They do not cost 4 to 5 times as much as bassnman stated.

Look at how many bulbs the other ballasts run. You usually need two of the standard ballasts to one 660. This closes the price gap big time. In addition you will have a much more reliable ballast, that overdrives your bulbs to produce significantly more light, and lasts MUCH longer.

How many used flourescent ballasts do you see on the selling forum other than IceCaps?

Realistically it will cost you $60-120 more to use IceCap ballasts. IMO the benefits are well worth it. Not to mention the resale value. Look at what used IceCap ballasts sell for... they don't lose much value after years of use. Even if you only use them a couple years, they will likely cost you less in the long run after you sell them off.

The Grim Reefer · 09/02/2006, 10:45 PM

A 660 running 4 t5's pulls 303 watts.

09/01/2006, 01:34 PM	#1
dc_909 Moved On Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 3,260	Is the IceCap 660 worth buying? So, besides the fact that they overdrive T5 bulbs. Is there any reason to choose this ballast over other T5 ballasts. Triad, advance, ballastwise, etc...

09/02/2006, 04:37 PM	#4
fat-tony Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Hornell, NY Posts: 1,483	the most a 660 ballast will consume is 440 watts. As stated they are the most versatile you can get and on top of that you get a good warranty (3 years) and great service __________________ Jason Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef. Icecap 660 3x5' T5HO Icecap 430 2x6' VHO actinic

09/02/2006, 10:45 PM	#7
The Grim Reefer Ready for some NOBALL!!! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Kingman Az Posts: 25,259	A 660 running 4 t5's pulls 303 watts. __________________ America, the way it outta be! Current Tank Info: 120 Starphire with Illudium Q-288 Photon Regurgitator DIY LED lighting

09/02/2006, 02:08 PM	#2
bassnman11 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Corona Ca. Posts: 674	If you have a narrow but deep tank, you might need to overdrive, depending on what you want to keep. Otherwise, no. They cost 4 or 5 times what the others do and draw more juice.

09/02/2006, 08:24 PM	#5
goda Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: fortlauderdale florida area Posts: 1,874	the warrentee alone is worth the ballast. i sent my ballas ttot hem 4 times so far from it blowing ( doing modifications using a dimmer.. it is my fault not the fault of the ballast) and they repaired it and send it back in a day. also the ballast increases the life of the bulbs

09/02/2006, 09:20 PM	#6
kroe Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wallingford, CT Posts: 1,211	They do not cost 4 to 5 times as much as bassnman stated. Look at how many bulbs the other ballasts run. You usually need two of the standard ballasts to one 660. This closes the price gap big time. In addition you will have a much more reliable ballast, that overdrives your bulbs to produce significantly more light, and lasts MUCH longer. How many used flourescent ballasts do you see on the selling forum other than IceCaps? Realistically it will cost you $60-120 more to use IceCap ballasts. IMO the benefits are well worth it. Not to mention the resale value. Look at what used IceCap ballasts sell for... they don't lose much value after years of use. Even if you only use them a couple years, they will likely cost you less in the long run after you sell them off.