Question about T5 Lighting Systems

[pr4mncplus]

I'm looking into purchasing T5 lights and DO NOT want to hang them above the tank, but rather have them set inside the Canopy just above the tank. Any help would be appreciated in assisting me with finding a COMPLETE system ready to use (of course buying the bulbs as well). I don't want to have to piece together a system with ballast, fans, switches, etc. I need at least a four bulb system and possibly six bulb. Any such systems available from IceCap? Thanks.

[ASH]

From IceCap:
I found this plug and play fixture for up to 4 X T-5 lamps, or a mix of T-5 and 46.5" VHO lamps (super-actinics for example) run off an IceCap Model 660 with a built-in fan. The fixture has a low profile and can be hard mounted in a canopy or used on its own. The ballast is not in the fixture (a good thing).
http://www.pfolighting.com/new%20pfoAq/AQFrames.htm
available from Marine Depot, Premium Aquatics or any other PFO re-seller. I'd recommend a pair of GE 6.5K (white) lamps and a pair of actinic T-5's or URI VHO T-12s.
Andy

[pr4mncplus]

Thanks for the info Andy! One question though, why is it not a good thing to have the ballast as part of the fixture? Ease of replacement if it's external? Heat issues? Guess I'm not too familiar (well obviously) with why the ballast would need to be internal or external.

[IceCap Service]

Great LOGO!! Go Buckeyes 2002 National Champs!!

As for the ballast not being in the fixture, heat is one thing but most important it needs to be kept as far away from water or moisture as possible so as to avoid premature failure due to water or salt.

[ASH]

Our electronic VHO ballasts, when run while making contact with the heat sink we provide operate between room temperature and warm. (Maybe a little warmer running T-5 HO lamps.) If the same ballast was in the fixture, it would be heated by the lamps.

There's a direct relationship between operating temperature and the life of electronic components. It's not a warranty concern as they'll make it 3 years regardless. But if you plan on getting 10 years or more from a true electronic ballast, it should be heat sunk and away from a direct heat source. The people at PFO have become experts on using our ballasts in ways that don't compromise their value.

Andy

[pr4mncplus]

Thanks again guys!