wanted: 660 icecap ballast

[spazz]

im looking for an icecap 660 ballast with 4 ends.

[mnreefgeek]

Have you checked RC? They have had a few on there in the last few days.

[spazz]

they are always gone before i get there.

[Fahz]

Unless you can find a good deal on one I'd buy new. I just had a problem with one and it was covered by there three year gaurantee and fixed free otherwise it costs $60. Most used one are two or three years old and they still want $100 for them. If you find a used one make sure you get the heat sink and wiring harness as a new harness is $50. Just some things to consider about used unless you know what your getting. One note about new model 660's one doesn't drive T-5 bulbs I think it the A4. Best price I found http://www.customaquatic.com/customa...bcatID=lt-rbal


Fahz

[dirk griffin]

The A-4 is the icecap 660 with out the heat sink and does not have the dimmer option which no one uses anyway. The A-4 also only has a 2yr warranty. Pm'd you

[David Grigor]

FYI from Andy at Icecap, the other difference with 660 vs. the A4 is that you can't use an A4 to run T5 bulbs ( which I think fahz was trying is say ).......so if someone using it for VHO now but wants the option to use T5 bulbs later then better to buy an 660.

[spazz]

thanks for all the info. it helps the decision making. one question i have is wich is better for atinic lighting? vho or t5?

[Fahz]

Thanks David that what I was trying to say except the A-4 is a 660-A4 VHO and the icecap 660-009 is the one that runs T-5's and VHO. You almost have to ask someone when you buy now to be sure you get the right ballast.

Fahz

Originally Posted by David Grigor

FYI from Andy at Icecap, the other difference with 660 vs. the A4 is that you can't use an A4 to run T5 bulbs ( which I think fahz was trying is say ).......so if someone using it for VHO now but wants the option to use T5 bulbs later then better to buy an 660.

[David Grigor]

Good question Spazz, I recently bought some T5 daylights and a T5 aquablue bulbs to run on my 660-009 but decided to stick with the URI Brand VHO actinics. The T5 aren't hooked up yet because I am waiting for the Oceanic hood which is still on order, and wanting to make the switch all at same time.

All the research I did the concensus is that VHO URI Super Actinics is still the standard which everything else is measured. Your best bet is to stick with the proven bulb which is the URI Super Actinic VHO and wait on the T5.

There are some who actually prefer the T5 ATI Blues ( not in the majority vs. true actinic ). I think mostly because they look brighter than the T5 True Actinics.

[Fahz]

The T-5 Blue Plus is the light you want if your going with T-5's the Actinics suck.

David what is the length for 36" VHO's outside of end cap to end cap.

Fahz

[David Grigor]

I'll have to measure when I get home but they are at least an inch longer on each end than the T5s. I am going to have to make a wider mounting bracket to hold both types of bulbs together without directly mounting them all in the canopy....