Wiring VHOs

meschaefer · 05-16-2008, 11:54 AM

I want to add 2 36inch VHO actinics to my display tank. I have looked at a number of the available retrofit kits, but when pricing everything out (at least what I think I need) was thinking I might be better off purchasing everything separately.

I would like to power these bulbs using an Icecap 660. I know that it is more power than I need, but it gives me alot of flexibility if I should decide to change my lighting system in the future.

Do to the placement of the bulbs over my system, I would like to have the ballast fairly far from the tank. (There is no hood on this tank, it is an in wall tank with a fish room behind it) So I think I would be better off with the 15 foot harness.

here is a list of what I intend to buy, am I missing something.

660 Ballast
15 wiring harness for 660
two sets of water proof endcaps
2 x 36inc URI Actinics
A power cord.

Am i missing anything, some of the pre-packaged retrofits I have looked at have mounting brackets for the end caps...do I need these, they are cheap enough.

ming · 05-16-2008, 12:06 PM

The wiring harness usually comes with the ballast. Never measured it, but its pretty long. I had a lot of extra wiring on my 4' canopy.
The mounting brackets I think you're referring to are the standoffs. This is so it can be screwed onto something to hold it up, unless you'll have it simply hanging from the wires.

bad coffee · 05-16-2008, 12:14 PM

Are you going to use reflectors or are you buying bulbs with internal ones?

If you have an old computer power cord, you can chop the end off and use it.

check the specs and make sure there's not a limit on the distance between the ballast and the bulbs.

B

masterswimmer · 05-16-2008, 01:19 PM

Ming explained the standoffs. I recommend them.
Brett explained the power cord. You can use the computer cord if you want.
The URI (now UVLighting) VHO super actinics have internal reflectors. No external reflector is required.

The wire harness included with the 660 or 430 is a 6' harness. You can get another 6' extension harness or a 15' extension harness if need be.

I think getting the 660 over the 430 is a smart idea. Like you said, it gives you options in the future for what is pennies spent now.

Russ

meschaefer · 05-16-2008, 10:42 PM

I don't necessarily need an extension harness. I was under the impression that I needed to buy a harness, and thought if I had to buy one anyway I would get the longer one as opposed to the shorter. I have alot of flexibility, and can mount the ballast pretty anywhere I want although some places are better than others.

I understand that the 660 is more power than I need, but it gives me flexibility. This year I want to use it to power supplemental VHOs, who knows what I will want to do with it next year... second smaller tank, frag tank, T5s? For the difference in price, it is worth it to me to have the potential for the future.

I got plenty of power cords laying around, I was just trying to put together a comprehensive list of what I would need.

05-16-2008, 11:54 AM	#1
meschaefer One to Ignore Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Astoria Posts: 2,245 Reefer Ratings: (14)	Wiring VHOs I want to add 2 36inch VHO actinics to my display tank. I have looked at a number of the available retrofit kits, but when pricing everything out (at least what I think I need) was thinking I might be better off purchasing everything separately. I would like to power these bulbs using an Icecap 660. I know that it is more power than I need, but it gives me alot of flexibility if I should decide to change my lighting system in the future. Do to the placement of the bulbs over my system, I would like to have the ballast fairly far from the tank. (There is no hood on this tank, it is an in wall tank with a fish room behind it) So I think I would be better off with the 15 foot harness. here is a list of what I intend to buy, am I missing something. 660 Ballast 15 wiring harness for 660 two sets of water proof endcaps 2 x 36inc URI Actinics A power cord. Am i missing anything, some of the pre-packaged retrofits I have looked at have mounting brackets for the end caps...do I need these, they are cheap enough. __________________ Matt When you pay too much, you lose a little money, that's all When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. John Ruskin (1819-1900)

05-16-2008, 01:19 PM	#4
masterswimmer Master Vendor Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Orange County Posts: 8,492 Reefer Ratings: (82)	Ming explained the standoffs. I recommend them. Brett explained the power cord. You can use the computer cord if you want. The URI (now UVLighting) VHO super actinics have internal reflectors. No external reflector is required. The wire harness included with the 660 or 430 is a 6' harness. You can get another 6' extension harness or a 15' extension harness if need be. I think getting the 660 over the 430 is a smart idea. Like you said, it gives you options in the future for what is pennies spent now. Russ __________________ House of Fish (845) 610-3114 www.saltwatercritters.com Serving all your saltwater critter and reef needs

05-16-2008, 10:42 PM	#5
meschaefer One to Ignore Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Astoria Posts: 2,245 Reefer Ratings: (14)	I don't necessarily need an extension harness. I was under the impression that I needed to buy a harness, and thought if I had to buy one anyway I would get the longer one as opposed to the shorter. I have alot of flexibility, and can mount the ballast pretty anywhere I want although some places are better than others. I understand that the 660 is more power than I need, but it gives me flexibility. This year I want to use it to power supplemental VHOs, who knows what I will want to do with it next year... second smaller tank, frag tank, T5s? For the difference in price, it is worth it to me to have the potential for the future. I got plenty of power cords laying around, I was just trying to put together a comprehensive list of what I would need. __________________ Matt When you pay too much, you lose a little money, that's all When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. John Ruskin (1819-1900)

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05-16-2008, 12:06 PM	#2
ming Newbie Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Flushing, NY Posts: 1,745 Reefer Ratings: (57)	The wiring harness usually comes with the ballast. Never measured it, but its pretty long. I had a lot of extra wiring on my 4' canopy. The mounting brackets I think you're referring to are the standoffs. This is so it can be screwed onto something to hold it up, unless you'll have it simply hanging from the wires.