Ice cap 430

[jwm32068]

I have recently aqcuired an ice cap 430 for a friend who wants to start a reef tank with mostly softies. I am not that familiar with flourescent retros but I want to know whats the best combo for this ballast? The tank will be a 120 gallon, and there will be 1 175 watt metal halide, and whatever combo of vho's or pc's would best complete the lighting. The target wattage should be around 3 watts per gallon?Thanks Wade

[VWD]

I would run 2 46 0r 48 inch VHO's actinics What ever length fits, and add another MH, I am thinking it is a 48 inch tank, even a 5 foot 120 will do ok with 2 !75, s and the actinic

[Doug1]

The IC 430 will run up to 3 110 watt bulbs if I recall , let me check the diagram

http://www.icecapinc.com/pdf/430.pdf

it will drive 3x110 Tubes or the equiv in power compact or T5 as well as overdriving normal bulbs to get more output

[hng]

I don't think that a single 175 watt halide will be nearly enough for a tank that size, especially if there is a center brace to deal with. I would use the ice cap to run either 2 or 3 54 watt T5HO bulbs.