Overdriving a SLS TEK fixture?

snow_man84088 · 03-04-2008, 01:38 PM

Does anyone know if it would be possible to fit an Ice Cap 660 Ballast in a Sunlight Supply Tek fixture. I am thinking about overdriving 4 of the bulbs in my fixture but I don't want to have to rewire the fixture, or have a ballast sitting outside of it Here is a link to the fixture in question.

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5_...unlight_Supply

aquasalt · 03-04-2008, 03:10 PM

Can't help you there. But may I ask you how you like the TEKs? I am also considering the Nova Extreme Pros.

Danyen · 03-04-2008, 03:19 PM

go with the tek's. When it come's to T5's it is all about the reflector. SLS makes the best reflector on the market IMO. Not only that, but with the Nova Extreme Pro's, you've got a current USA ballast, which isn't nearly as well made. I use Tek's myself, and I'm very pleased with them.

aquasalt · 03-04-2008, 03:27 PM

Do you find that they limit you in any way?

reefermike1 · 03-04-2008, 06:29 PM

icecap ballasts are pretty big, especially with the heat exchanger... i would guess no, it wouldnt fit. but you could run a 660 as a remote ballast. the tek reflectors are good, but icecap slr reflectors are supposed to be better... idk ive never used the teks, just the icecaps... and they are really nice!

betamed · 03-04-2008, 07:02 PM

As best I can tell the tek lights are the best all in one T5 set up. I have heard good things about Ice cap and some other retrofit set ups, but I really didn't want to do much wiring or anything like that so I went with the tek and its very nice.

snow_man84088 · 03-05-2008, 07:44 AM

I really like the tek fixture, I was just thinking of ways to squeeze just a little more light out of the fixture. I bought them based on the advice of the great members of TRT! I have not been disappointed with them at all. They should not limit me at all. I should be able to keep clams, anemones, SPS with out difficulty. (I say should because I am yet to keep anything under them, since my tank is still cycling) I am just one of those guys with the Tim Taylor mentality, ya know the "more power" attitude

Mike01z · 03-05-2008, 08:55 AM

you are talking about overdriving the flourescents? It almost seems like too much work for the output,

for an icecap though it definatly would have to be external. I just rewired my hamilton fixture/canopy and I I shoved 3 icecap halide ballasts in the big black hamilton box so it still kinda fits the same as it did, as far as tek I don't think they had remote ballasts though did they?

snow_man84088 · 03-05-2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike01z

you are talking about overdriving the flourescents? It almost seems like too much work for the output,

for an icecap though it definatly would have to be external. I just rewired my hamilton fixture/canopy and I I shoved 3 icecap halide ballasts in the big black hamilton box so it still kinda fits the same as it did, as far as tek I don't think they had remote ballasts though did they?

No the ballast is in the fixture itself.

OIIIIIO · 03-05-2008, 02:44 PM

keep in mind that overdriving increases the heat even with a remote ballast which in turn limits the life of the bulbs. In most cases where t5s are overdriven, fans are used to cool the bulbs. Do the TEK fixtures have fans in them?

snow_man84088 · 03-05-2008, 03:10 PM

No but I would be running two clip on fans across the top of the fixture which should control the heat issues.

reefermike1 · 03-05-2008, 07:05 PM

how tall is the tank this fixture is going over, and how many bulbs do u have? good point about the fans though oiiio, overdriven bulbs definately need to be cooled.

snow_man84088 · 03-05-2008, 07:10 PM

No sure on how tall the tank is,I can mount the ballast in the canopy if needed. I have a 6x54W fixture just like the one in the link on the OP.

Edit: If you were referring to how deep is the tank, it is 24", just your standard 90 Gallon, 48x18x24

reefermike1 · 03-05-2008, 07:24 PM

i think youll be alright without overdriving them... just keep stony corals and clams towards the middle or top. if u did use the icecap id say keep whatever you want all the way to the bottom. jmo.

snow_man84088 · 03-05-2008, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefermike1

i think youll be alright without overdriving them... just keep stony corals and clams towards the middle or top. if u did use the icecap id say keep whatever you want all the way to the bottom. jmo.

That is what I was thinking, I just want to be sure I am getting enough light all the way to the bottom.