IceCap Reef Illuminations

KLR · Jun 7, 2010

im about to get this light for my 75 gal
IceCap Reef Illuminations T5 + Tubular LED Moonlights (470nm Actinic LED) Fixture

the 48inch fixture

any pros or cons??

I would really like to see pictures of your tank during t5s and during leds!

jsantoli · Jun 7, 2010

I have the MH/T5/LED setup from Icecap. The light works great, the LED's look amazing. Mine is on a 90 gallon that I am currently breaking down because I am getting shipped out with the Coast Guard

KLR · Jun 7, 2010

K, my 90 gal literally broke down..................the left side bottomed out..........................................................:cry:

What a shame to leave such a great hobby behind...but 4 a good cause

I forgot to say im getting the 6 t5s fixure not the 4 t5s

jsantoli · Jun 7, 2010

Cool, you will like them. The led bulbs will leave your jaw dropped lol.

KLR · Jun 7, 2010

Thats what i am most excited about!!

I love looking at corals under leds!

pwachsmuth · Jun 7, 2010

I have the 4 t5/4 led on my 120. So far I love it.
Get great pop and good growth. The tank is LPS almost entirely.

Here's an example of all lights on vs just led.

KLR · Jun 7, 2010

Nice.....the only reason im getting the 2 led, 6 t5s because i have some sps..... . . ..

KLR · Jun 7, 2010

do you have a fts??

KLR · Jun 7, 2010

Anyone have a fts????

pwachsmuth · Jun 8, 2010

I'll take something tonight.

KLR · Jun 8, 2010

K thanks

KLR · Jun 8, 2010

bump 4 the fts....LOL

Tenacious716 · Jun 8, 2010

IMO stay away from them and go with a Tek or ATI. Three out of the four my LFS ordered had issues and needed to be sent back. They use cheap Chinese ballasts and the reflectors are very flimsy. I'm a sucker for T5's and the LEDs are nice, but IMO for the price you can get something of much higher quality. If you must have the LEDs, IceCap sells the LED bars seperatly and you can mount them inside of another fixture easily (like I did). Just my opinion!

TANKSALOT · Jun 8, 2010

Tenacious716 said:
IMO stay away from them and go with a Tek or ATI. Three out of the four my LFS ordered had issues and needed to be sent back. They use cheap Chinese ballasts and the reflectors are very flimsy. I'm a sucker for T5's and the LEDs are nice, but IMO for the price you can get something of much higher quality. If you must have the LEDs, IceCap sells the LED bars seperatly and you can mount them inside of another fixture easily (like I did). Just my opinion!

Why would IceCap, one of the very best ballast suppliers in the industry use cheap Chinese ballasts. They also make some the best reflectors and you say these are flimsy.

That makes no sense to me. Why would they make a light that would hurt their reputation.

Just my 2 cents.....

TANKSALOT
aka - Steve

Tenacious716 · Jun 8, 2010

Steve... do you have personal experience with this fixture? I waited six months for the 3' fixture to be released they never did. It makes no sense why they use cheap Chinese ballasts, but they do. The reflectors are very flimsy and pop out when the bulbs aren't pushed against it.

I love the legendary IceCap brand more than the next guy, but IMO they dropped the ball on this fixture.

litenyaup · Jun 8, 2010

Tenacious716 said:
Steve... do you have personal experience with this fixture? I waited six months for the 3' fixture to be released they never did. It makes no sense why they use cheap Chinese ballasts, but they do. The reflectors are very flimsy and pop out when the bulbs aren't pushed against it.

I love the legendary IceCap brand more than the next guy, but IMO they dropped the ball on this fixture.

wow that really sucks......

litenyaup · Jun 8, 2010

KLR said:
bump 4 the fts....LOL

i would also liek to see them!

TANKSALOT · Jun 8, 2010

Tenacious716 said:
Steve... do you have personal experience with this fixture? I waited six months for the 3' fixture to be released they never did. It makes no sense why they use cheap Chinese ballasts, but they do. The reflectors are very flimsy and pop out when the bulbs aren't pushed against it.

I love the legendary IceCap brand more than the next guy, but IMO they dropped the ball on this fixture.

No I don't have personal experience with these.
My comment was that it made no sense. You have to agree that they are one of the best when it comes to reto fit parts. Thus my comment about it not making any sense.
I am just shocked that they would do something so stupid.

cmcneil · Jun 14, 2010

my LFS had 3 units in store for testing before they were released.they are probably the worst product icecap has produced.the fixtues overall quality was at best a 6 out of 10,the LED tubes had bulbs that wouldnt light up,the halide reflectors are cheap stamped metal and placed too far apart,and for the price they are just not worth it.i was looking into getting one for my new tank but after seeing them run for a few months i opted for an ATI sunpower.i love icecap in general but these fixtures IMO are total crap.