I have the 36" wavepoint fixture...and I'm wanting to overdrive the bulbs some ....I know the icecap 660 and 430 ballasts are good but I dont know if I can overdrive 39w bulbs that much without blowing them out....any ideas.....or should I just get halides?
Overdriving T5 HO fixture
- Thread starter rolo65
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If I'm not mistaken, the 39 watt bulbs are already HO (high output). The IceCap ballasts supposedley run at a ballast factor of 1.48, so I don't know that you would gain anything over what you have. Maybe just add a couple more banks(?).
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39 watt bulbs can be overdriven. I have done it.
max 4 bulbs from 1x IceCap 660.
max 4 bulbs from 1x IceCap 660.
The wavepoint already runs pretty cool...and only slightly warm to touch without a fan...only a half degree rise between the light on and off.....bought a 250w pendant from justin today so I'll check it out and then go from there....now to build a hanger rail!!!
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i didnt measure it at the time but I did once read up that they increase by a factor of 1.48.
I talked to Tim at keen and he was saying that the 660 would almost drive the bulbs to high of wattage and possibly blow them out....if it's only going to increase by 1.48 then at 58 watts it wouldn't be a problem...if that's indeed the case.....the output would be about where I'd want it....
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suggestion, contact IceCap and ask them for they honest answer.
Below is a post from IceCap on their Facebook blog. It would appear that the HO's are overdriven by 1.48x also (54w x 1.48 = 79.92w). Wow, I learned something new! Thx
"http://www.facebook.com/icecapinc?ref=mf">[B]<span style="color: #3b5998">IceCap Inc.</span>[/B]</a><span style="color: #808080"> </span>Robert and Cerissa's awesome frag tank is lit with 8 x 48" T5's run on 660's. These 54W T5 lamps are driven to 80W each by the IceCap 660 universal fluorescent ballast and produce beautiful growth and colors in these corals! Robert was especially pleased with the giant pink bird's nest in the middle boasting 1" growt...h tips thanks to the powerful 660."
[IMG]http://www.facebook.com/icecapinc">http://www.facebook.com/icecapinc</a>
"http://www.facebook.com/icecapinc?ref=mf">[B]<span style="color: #3b5998">IceCap Inc.</span>[/B]</a><span style="color: #808080"> </span>Robert and Cerissa's awesome frag tank is lit with 8 x 48" T5's run on 660's. These 54W T5 lamps are driven to 80W each by the IceCap 660 universal fluorescent ballast and produce beautiful growth and colors in these corals! Robert was especially pleased with the giant pink bird's nest in the middle boasting 1" growt...h tips thanks to the powerful 660."
[IMG]http://www.facebook.com/icecapinc">http://www.facebook.com/icecapinc</a>
well after reading the thread on RC about icecap.....im no longer inclined to go with their product....mostly for the simple fact that like most ppl there have stated....they have yet to publish any data on the ballast....and whether its worthwhile to actually buy one
