icecap 430 ballast and 24" t5s

[Benny Z]

how many 24" bulbs will an icecap 430 ballast drive for t5ho?

thanks!
- ben

[LooseHip]

it can run up to 4 bulbs

[Benny Z]

thanks... why is it that the icecap t5 retrofit kits for 24" bulbs only run 2 bulbs with the 430 ballast and 4 bulbs with the 660?

[ctreefer]

Icecap lists the 430 as only capable of running 2 T5 bulbs (24"). I asked Andy awhile back and he said it was possible you might be able to push it to 3 bulbs as long as the ballast was properly cooled with the heatsink in a well ventillated area. That's what I have on my setup and its been running about 2 years now. Bulb life is a bit shorter than normal though. I've had a couple burn up within 6 months. I don't think this is a factor of the ballast though and rather that I'm not cooling the bulbs well enough.

Loosehip, you have in your equipment list that you're running 4 t5 39watt bulbs. Is this on an icecap ballast? If so I'm assuming its a 660? LMK,

thanks

[Benny Z]

hmm... i might have to try that. this will also be going over a 29, so i'm sure you understand my dilema.

in the meantime i emailed icecap and got this response:

The 430 will drive 2 T5 Lamps only. The 660 will drive 4 of them.

Dave
IceCap Service Manager

[LooseHip]

Hmmm goes to show you what I know. This is a bit mis leading then.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_Fluorescent/IceCap/Ballasts/430_Electronic_Ballast_by_IceCap

to answer your question ctreefer I have the t5 HO retro kit from hellolights. Each ballast (advanced) can only run 2 bulbs. I looked into maybe getting the icecap 660 ballast, but I heard that the ballast will over drive the bulbs causing them to have a shorter life span.

[ctreefer]

Thanks, gotcha!

Here's the thread from when I was asking questions. It appears that my bulbs are burning out just as I feared because of the lack of cooling of the bulbs. I might have to figure out a better way to cool them.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=5788063#post5788063