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View Full Version : What Ballast for t5's

IRISSERVICE
05/02/2006, 11:33 AM
Whats Ballast would you recomend for 2 T5 80w?
Thanks
ASH
05/02/2006, 12:05 PM
Either a Model 430 or 660 would do the job. The difference being the 660 could handle and extra 80-watt if ever needed or up to 4 of the 54-watt lamps. Output of light running the two lamps should be identical.
Make sure you have a fan on the lamps when they're running. With proper heat removal the lamps should be good for reef applications up to 24 months.

Andy
IRISSERVICE
05/02/2006, 11:25 PM
Would that overdrive drive them or run them at there ratted power?
ASH
05/03/2006, 09:28 AM
They would run at 100-watts per lamp, which is what the ballast would use divided by 2, as the ballast uses a negligible amount of energy.

Andy
IRISSERVICE
05/03/2006, 11:17 AM
Thanks , is that the same for both the 660 and 430?
ASH
05/03/2006, 11:56 AM
In this 2 lamp T5HO application, the same per lamp output.

Andy
IRISSERVICE
05/03/2006, 01:07 PM
Andy thank you for the quick replies...
other than wattage is there an advantage of useing a 660 vs a 430?

My plan was to use 6 x80w lights
So my my choice is either 3 x 430 which will give me levels of control or 2 x 660.
TY
ASH
05/03/2006, 01:16 PM
If you can keep the ballasts well heatsunk either choice is fine. If I was running a pair of 660s on that application I'd consider a small fan to keep the ballast as cool to the touch as possible in addition to using the heat sinks.

If there's a question about where the ballasts will be located and other heat entering the equation go with the 430's.

Andy
IRISSERVICE
06/04/2006, 10:40 AM
What if i went with 3 x 660's with 2 x 80w each on them ... Would the ballast run cooler versus 2 x660's with 3 x80w..
At this poit i want the best setup to run 6 bulbs...
ASH
06/04/2006, 12:09 PM
There is no denying 2 X 80W T5HO lamps per Model 660 would run cooler (the ballast) and last longer. The light level would be the same but you would have three levels of light or more different looks depending on the sequencing and lamp choices. Also, if lamp heat is vented, the longer the lamp the more efficient it runs and longer reef ready lamp life.
Bottom line, minimum of two years per lamp running at 100-watts per lamp.

Andy
IRISSERVICE
06/04/2006, 02:25 PM
Ok thanks
IRISSERVICE
06/04/2006, 06:43 PM
Icecap coming out with any t5 fixtures?
ASH
06/05/2006, 02:44 PM
Yes.
IRISSERVICE
06/05/2006, 04:30 PM
Ok since you guys don't have 60" refectors can 2 31" be riveted together?Not end to end
IRISSERVICE
06/05/2006, 11:18 PM
really when are the fixtures coming out?
ASH
06/06/2006, 12:17 PM
I'll look into both the above posts and get back later today.

Andy
Ball
06/06/2006, 01:29 PM
Im also looking to run either a 660 or 430 to run two T5 bulbs. My question is, what is the avaerage lifespan of these ballasts? Are they projected to run much past their warranty? Thanks!
IceCap Service
06/06/2006, 01:59 PM
The ballast itself can last indefinitely depending on how they are cared for and maintained. Use the heat sink, keep away from water and keep in a well ventillated area and they can easily last 10 years or more. I see a lot of ballasts returned for minor repair for the very first time and they are 10+ years old.
ASH
06/06/2006, 03:10 PM
IRISSERVICE -

1) Two 39-watt SLR can be riveted together.

2) Late this summer.

Andy
IRISSERVICE
06/06/2006, 11:33 PM
Thanks
swellsearcher
06/07/2006, 07:10 PM
Ash or Icecapservice, would you recommend putting the raw ballasts in some type of metal housing ? Does the ballast come with the heatsink that you refer to ? Thank you !
jman77
06/07/2006, 07:45 PM
" I see a lot of ballasts returned for minor repair for the very first time and they are 10+ years old."

Mine was one of those a month ago ..... it needed a tuneup so i could run t5's on it :) ... Great Service !!!
IceCap Service
06/08/2006, 08:21 AM
The ballast does come with a heat sink and I do not recommend putting the ballast in a metal housing. Heat build up could be detrimental to the ballast. Provide good ventillation and it will last much longer. One company used our ballasts in the past and enclosed them in a black plastic case. Heat virtually killed the ballasts and they all had to be returned for rebuiling. I believe they only lasted a few short years.