Retrofit T5 into prefab canopy

[Tinyfish]

This is my first retrofit into a prefab canopy. The canopy sits on a standard 75g tank and so is 48" long on the inside. Today I got my lamps in and I am trying to figure out how to mount them.

Problems:
1) I will have to relocate the drop down lid supports that hold the lid open. They are directly under the end-caps.
2) There are braces in the center of the lid running front to back to support the structure. The two runners are 12" in from the ends. This means I don't have anything at the ends on which to mount the end-caps.
3) I don't know where the Ice Cap ballast should go.

 

[melev]

You will have to change the orientation of the legs. Perhaps have them fold toward the center of the tank now.

Add two more offsets to match the center brace and connect the end caps to those.

Affix the ballast to the back of the canopy, or under the tank inside the stand near the top where it will stay dry no matter what. Think about where water is, where it can travel, and put it where it is almost impossible for water to reach.

 

[Saltpro]

@Tinyfish wrote:

I know this is a little bit old of a thread, but how did it work out for you? How many T5 bulbs did you install inside your 75 gallon canopy? Im trying to decide about going with T5's myself. Currently im running 4x48" vho bulb's and was looking at getting something cooler and or brighter. I have been tossing around the idea of led's but im not so sure about then yet.

 

[Tinyfish]

It turns out that I am still working on this. I have mounted the bulbs and now need to find a place for the ballast. Then of course is the wiring.

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[Tinyfish]

I temporarily mounted the ballast in the canopy lid.

My problem is I cannot get the lamps to light. I am running 3 - T5 bulbs on an IceCap 430.

When I first apply power I get two lamps come on dimly and then they turn off.

From what I remember about my other retrofit is that this usually indicates a problem with wiring or the bulbs are not seated in the endcaps correctly. I am not as good at reading wiring diagrams as I once was but I cannot find any fault in the wiring or bulb seating.

Is there something I may be overlooking?

 

[coralreefer]

@Tinyfish wrote:

I hooked 4 bulbs up to my IC660 following the wiring diagram and it fired up fine the first time out. I did make sure that the bulbs were seated well into the caps before mounting them. Also, I mounted the ballast onto the top of the canopy for ventilation - but mine is tall so you cant see it up there. I dont know anything more specific for your needs. Look at the diagram below and tell us which bulb is not firing. Did you try switching the bulbs around to see if it was the bulb? Did you be accident connect the unused wires from your harness (it says to bundle and not connect them in the instructions).

TB

 

[Tinyfish]

In the wiring diagram you posted the top bulb is not firing. I did switch the bulbs around and all bulbs work the same.

I checked on the IceCap site and get this: Under all of the description is a note. No retailer includes this note in their description.

Here is the description:

Along with the 660 model, IceCap fluorescent lamp ballasts have been the industry leader for nearly twenty years. Rugged, reliable, and efficient are just some of the many accolades for this category classic ballast. The 430 can drive all VHO, PC and T5HO lamps<u> in any combination up to 4 lamps, with a total not exceeding 330 Watts</u> . It is fully dimmable when driving VHO lamps, operates silently, and is fully repairable with a 3-year warranty. It is a high frequency solution for aquarium, industrial, UV, germicidal, and horticultural applications.
**please note: only 2 T5 lamps on a 430 ballast regardless of size or wattage**

I sent IceCap an email asking for an explanation.

 

[Hoss]

This may sound like a dumb question, but are you sure you have the correct wiring harness? When I was running T5's for the first time, the guy I bought the IC 430 from sold it to me with a 660 wiring harness. I didn't know any better and drove my self crazy trying to figure it out.....apparently the 2 harnesses are different.

Just a thought.

Josh

 

[Tinyfish]

I purchased the 430 new. The wiring harness came in the box with the ballast. I don't know how I would know any different but you raise a good point.

 

[coralreefer]

@Tinyfish wrote:

This I find interesting. Call Icecap and ask if it will work with three T5's.

EDIT - I just saw that you sent them an email - let us know what they say.

TB

 

[derek4real]

I was gonna go with a retro kit on my Frag Tank but the wiring for me was gonna be to much of a hassle for me. I almost bought 3 of these,
http://www.sunlightsupply.com/hort/products.aspx?request=HORT_READYFIT&title=Fluorescent%20Lighting&type=product
prewired, comes with reflectors, very simple.
at 150 each, i was looking at 450 dollars for 3 of them, and the TEK 8 w/bulbs (my choice of bulbs) was only 50 more dollars and that appealed to me much better than a retro kit. I originally did not want to get a TEK Fixture but i see why everyone gets them.

 

[psteeleb]

the 430 will only run 2 T5's as stated. It will run 46" 3 VHO's.

if you don't want to over drive them consider just using standard ballast for a lot less (~40$). this may be a good option for suplemental blue lighting that can also utilize a longer light schedule.

maybe overdrive 2 white T5's on the 430 and add a third atinic or 454 on a normal electrocnic ballast

you may be able to find the normal T% ballast at your local hardware store jus tmake sure they can handle 1 or 2 54w T5's

example
http://www.naturallighting.com/web/shop.php?crn=753&rn=3678&action=show_detail

 

[Tinyfish]

Then I find this statement found on the IceCap website to be totally misleading.

Along with the 660 model, IceCap fluorescent lamp ballasts have been the industry leader for nearly twenty years. Rugged, reliable, and efficient are just some of the many accolades for this category classic ballast. The 430 can drive all VHO, PC and T5HO lamps in any combination up to 4 lamps, with a total not exceeding 330 Watts. It is fully dimable when driving VHO lamps, operates silently, and is fully repairable with a 3-year warranty. It is a high frequency solution for aquarium, industrial, UV, germicidal, and horticultural applications.

I went back and checked the site I got the ballast from and they no longer carry them. I went to ReefGeek and noticed that their description is now different than what it used to be. I checked HelloLights and they too have changed their description. I purchased my ballast in March of 2010. Only now am I getting to installation.

I am glad they changed their descriptions but still I am upset about the unit not meeting my expectations.

If it is me who can't read and understand written English then I apologize for my error.

Enough on this. I need to move on and pick only 2 bulbs and wire accordingly. I did want to try to put in some kind of LED lights but I have no knowledge of those and would not know where to look.

Or I can do what is a very good idea from above posting and just get another ballast to drive the last bulb.

 

[psteeleb]

I shared the exact same frustration. I had planned on running 3 x 46" T5's on my 430 but they didn't work. So I did some checking and found that same statement that contradicts the paragraph before it.

I will be adding LEDs for more light and shimmer but it may be a while.

 

[Tinyfish]

I thought I would add that 2- T5's work fine. I just got done taking out one set of sockets. They do seem quite bright.

I am starting with a 6000k and a 10,000k bulb to see how that looks.

 

[Tinyfish]

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I have room for one more bulb in front. My Durso drainpipe goes into the space just behind the rear most bulb. That was shear luck because I had planned to put a bulb there.

I guess I will get a ballast from the hardware store and then I will have to order an actinic bulb. I sure hope all this turns out OK.

 

[Tinyfish]

I have now decided to purchase 2 cheaper ballasts to run my lights. That means the IceCap 430 will be for sale with wiring harness.

Since I have to figure out what brand to use I am stumped once again. I have no idea if one is any better or worse than another. I know I didn't realize there were this many brands from which to pick.

I did try Home Depot, who doesn't carry any; and a light store that also doesn't carry any. I have looked at the link above as well as on Amazon.com. It is just too much information for me. The last ballast I replaced I purchased at Lowe's and maybe I will go back there.

 

[bimmerzs]

The Advance Centium Ballast would suit your needs, it will run up to 4 54W T5 bulb's and not overdrive them.

Cheers,

 

[Tinyfish]

I have ordered 2 of the Advance ballasts.

The back of my canopy is open so I am having difficulty locating the ballasts in a "good" spot. Also I see that Marc put a small 4" fan on top of the overflow on a little platform for someone. I might be able to do that.

I also have read that the ATI BluePlus is suggested over an actinic. Having run 2 of these bulbs in a 4 bulb setup over my 20g I must say I was never that impressed with them. I know, blasphemy. So I am unsure what 2 other bulbs to purchase.

 

[Tinyfish]

I received my order for 2 ballasts but they are the GE equivalent of the Advance Centium.

I have looked at the specs and they seem interchangeable unless someone of more knowledge can speak up about the differences.

I apologize for my writing style which tends to show my frustration at the numerous difficulties I encounter during a project, this one especially.

I have ordered two other bulbs which I will post about when they show up.