Retro Light DIY

[ReeferRob]

Is it still necessary for me to add fans to my new light canopy? Even though its not inclosed like a fixture and is completely exposed?
Obviously not concerned with tank temp but more durability and par of bulbs.
Thanks

[jojo22]

Fans NEVER hurt. All electronics will last longer and stay stronger the cooler they are kept. It's just the way they work.

[tazzy695]

rob is this for the lights you just built with the icecap balast if so i would highly recomend fans as bulbs beeing over driven tend to put off more heat and should be cooled if possible

[ReeferRob]

See I don't know squat about Retros...........the IceCap 660 is an over drive ballast?
How high should I have my lights over the water surface?

[tazzy695]

yes icecap ballasts are over drive ballasts so for. your 24" bulbs you are pushing more. wattage then what they say I think it s 32w instead of. 24 so coolng the bulbS iS highly recomnded for longer life

[tazzy695]

As for height most people run t5s about. 2 to 6 inch above the. Water

[ReeferRob]

I have T5's and have owned different fixtures in the past. I am familiar with there benefits and power.
I am not with retros and over driven under driven ballast stuff.

[Sir Patrick]

I agree with tazzy. Keeping the bulbs and ballest cool will help them last longer.

As far as heating the water goes- as long as you have good surface agitation, you probly dont have to worry much about them heating the water.

[speedstar]

Does your 660 have the heat sink on it?

[ReeferRob]

Does your 660 have the heat sink on it?

No didn't come with one.

[tazzy695]

Being as you are only running 24" bulbs I doubt that the ballast would have heat issues

[ReeferRob]

Everything manages to stay pretty cool down in the basement, going to Lowes to get a small fan today. Inexpensive way to protect my investment!