Ice cap ballast question

[Frtdrmrose7]

I was given an ice cap 660 system. Can I change the sockets and run T-5 bulbs on this system?

 

[Big E]

Yes, I've been running T5 bulbs with 660 ballasts for 10+ years

The bulbs are over driven so they will be slightly brighter and have higher par levels than standard driven T5 bulbs. I've measured par of a single bulb at 1100 at about 1/4" middle of the bulb versus about 800 with a standard T5 ballast.

Be aware that the bulbs will shift spectrum at 6 months.........par won't drop much. If you're running a dominant Acropora system they will need changed at that time.

With a mixed reef you can get by with about 8-10 months.

 

[Frtdrmrose7]

Yes, I've been running T5 bulbs with 660 ballasts for 10+ years

The bulbs are over driven so they will be slightly brighter and have higher par levels than standard driven T5 bulbs. I've measured par of a single bulb at 1100 at about 1/4" middle of the bulb versus about 800 with a standard T5 ballast.

Be aware that the bulbs will shift spectrum at 6 months.........par won't drop much. If you're running a dominant Acropora system they will need changed at that time.

With a mixed reef you can get by with about 8-10 months.

Im keeping mostly softies and Montipora, I am going back to T5 because the 150G tank I’m setting up is 30’ deep

 

[mtraylor]

What system you running now? I'm running LED's on my 30" deep aquarium which is sps dominant.