Anyone still using Icecap 660's for T5?

[Velcro]

I currently run two 32" SBReef basic LED fixtures over my 36x36x27 cube. I've decided that I'm going to add 4 36" t5 bulbs to this setup... two in between the two fixture then one on each outside end.

I have an icecap 660 ballast. I know that these ballasts overdrive the bulbs and will drastically shorten their life. I'm hoping to get 6 months out of the bulbs. I don't mind this since the tradeoff is more PAR, and given that I'm only doing 4 bulbs over a 36x36 tank, this is worth it IMO.

Is anyone running ATI blue+ bulbs on these ballasts? I think this is the bulb that I'll use. I feel like there's no way to use different bulbs because of the dimensions of the tank. If I put a different bulb in the middle then the edges aren't going to be evenly colored. Another option might be the KZ super blue.

Open to suggestions and any thoughts.

 

[DeniseAndy]

I was using the icecap 660, but they finally gave up the ghost. I now just have the ballasts that come with my retrofit kits or on the Hamilton fixtures I have. I have run both ATI blue plus and the KZ super blue. Like them both.

Even with the Icecap I got more than 6 months. I would go for it. See how it does. I love my t5s. Oldish school!

 

[Big E]

I've been using them for almost 9 years over my Sps system.

54w--4 bulbs- 2 blue+ and 2 coral+

6 months is the max with good spectrum, but due to the colors and growth you can sell a few frags to easily cover replacement costs.

Until I see better/equal performance from something else I won't change

Plenty of pics here---
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/big-e-rimless-80g-sps.206607/

 

[Tennsquire]

t5s are "Old School"?!? I still run VHOs (T12s?) over my reef (and metal halides). It's all circular; I'll be hip again one day real soon....

 

[Centerline]

t5s are "Old School"?!? I still run VHOs (T12s?) over my reef (and metal halides). It's all circular; I'll be hip again one day real soon....

The best look ever is URI VHOs (actenic) matched with Radium's.

 

[Tennsquire]

The best look ever is URI VHOs (actenic) matched with Radium's.

I have 2 URI actinics and 1 URI 50/50 paired with 2 Phoenix 250 watt 14ks.

 

[Centerline]

I have 2 URI actinics and 1 URI 50/50 paired with 2 Phoenix 250 watt 14ks.

You probably have the nicest coloration on R2R … really miss that. Where are you getting the URIs at?

 

[Tennsquire]

You probably have the nicest coloration on R2R … really miss that. Where are you getting the URIs at?

I usually buy them in bulk. Premium Aquatics carries them but they're expensive. I found them at a place called TopBulb online for around $22.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Before going LED I ran IceCap 660 and 440 ballasts....using ATI bulbs. I'd get a year before changing them out. They took the overdriving very well.