VHO - IceCap Ballasts

Drew · 12-31-2000, 03:52 PM

For my new prop tank, I am going with a 55 gal and have some questions about lighting. First, do any of you have the VHO IceCap Ballast Model 660? Do you like it? And, how hard is it to assemble a fixture? Are there any sites that explain how to do this? If I dont have a hood, can I still use this lighting system? I would really like to hang the lights if at all possible. Thanks a lot in advance.

Drew

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"Im learnding"
"Thats my sandbox, I can't go in the deep-end"

12-31-2000, 05:07 PM

I use IceCaps, the 430 models but the 660 are the same, just more output. They are fairly easy to assemble and come with pretty good directions. If you have trouble you can get ahold of tech support by email or phone.
The standard Icecap endcaps have a foot on them for mounting, you can make a couple bars and mount the end caps to them, then orient your bulbs(if using URI with reflectors in them) so they are facing down. You can attatch a hanger arrangement and suspend them if youre not using a hood

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I thought I was me, but we were wrong
email: geeflipr@internetcds.com

Rick O · 12-31-2000, 08:14 PM

Hi Drew,

I have the 660 and the instructions are very simple. If you want to preview the wiring diagram you can see it at Icecap's website. http://www.icecapinc.com/

Rick

inthesand · 01-01-2001, 03:53 AM

follow above advice and if you don't want to pay heavy for endcaps and you build a hood you can purchase tombstone type endcaps at an electrical suppy for around 3bucks each. any endcap will work and be safe as long as it's made from hard plastic, not soft rubber.

Reefmann · 01-02-2001, 11:33 PM

Drewman,

Check out my website! I've got a 55g. reef tank running it on 4 VHO's bulbs on an Icecap 660. Love it.

Reefmann.
http://38.222.244.200/dougw/reefmannmain.htm

01-03-2001, 07:50 AM

Considering the higher operating temps and the salt environment, I wouldnt skimp and try using the standard flourescent endcaps

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I thought I was me, but we were wrong
email: geeflipr@internetcds.com

Niven · 01-04-2001, 01:29 PM

I second Geedoug. I think if you don't use waterproof VHO endcaps, you void the waranty. Just be careful to use the right ones.
HTH,
Niven

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Niven · 01-04-2001, 01:35 PM

Also wanted to say, I think ICECAP is the best most versitile(sp?) setup anyone could get. Make sure to get a retrofit setup. Don't spend money on a hood that might not fit future plans. You might want to add MH or put it on a longer tank, ect. If you need help, email me, it's pretty easy to setup, if you wire it wrong, it just won't light, it's not like it will explode

Niven

I sent you an email.