Ice Cap ballast question

[Tab964]

My tank now has 2 MH one at 175 and the other at 250 it also has an ice cap 430 ballast which is pushing 2 36" (39watt) t5's (retrofit), both blue. I would like to add 2 more blue t5's. My question is: I have read a few sites that that this model can run up to 12' of lightng and others that that it can only run 2 at 39 watts. Also when I bought this retro it was stated that they are running at overpower, or something like that, I am quessing it inceases the watt performance. Anyway does anyone know if I can add 2 more blue to this ballast, or it would cut down on the "overdrive" and equal the same effect.

 

[framerguy]

I don't know. Check out their website and contact them for a definite answer. Home

 

[Woodstock]

You will need to upgrade to a 660 ballast to run 4 bulbs.

 

[gch.3]

a 430-008 ballast can drive 4 bulbs up to 330 watts.
http://www.icecapinc.com/01/icecap%20430%20revised%20wiring%204%2029%202008.pdf

 

[Woodstock]

a 430-008 ballast can drive 4 bulbs up to 330 watts.
http://www.icecapinc.com/01/icecap 430 revised wiring 4 29 2008.pdf

Thanks gch. Good info!

 

[Steven Pro]

The 430 will operate up to four 24" VHO lamps in the schematic above. But, for T5 HO lamps, the maximum number it can power is two. To run four T5 HO lamps, you would need to replace your 430 with a 660 or buy a second 430.

Both the 430 and 660 ballasts drive 39 watt T5 HO lamps to about 60 watts. Be sure to use a quality T5 lamp that can handle that such as the IceCap T5 lamps, Geissman, ATI, or UVL.

 

[gch.3]

ice cap ballasts can run no, ho,vho,and pc in any combination.
eg. 1 40w 48" tube
1 39w 36" tube
1 110w 48" tube
1 20w 24"tube


20+39+110+20= 209w
you only need one ballast. i am currently running 2 vho's and 2 no on mine.
Fluorescent Ballasts

 

[Steven Pro]

Yes, the IceCap ballasts are extremely versatile. They will operate NO, VHO, PC, and T5HO lamps. But, the nature of T5HO lamps prevents the 430 from running anymore than 2 lamps.