Nova Extreme Pro and IceCap 660

[zik69]

I'm thinking about upgrading to a IceCap 660 ballast on my Nova Extreme Pro 6x54W fixture and have few questions before I order anything.
-I'm sure it's ok to only overdrive 4 out of 6 bulbs, but I better ask
-can I use stock endcaps or do I have to purchase new ones
-does the ballast fit inside the fixture without a problem
-how does it affect, if at all, the life of the bulb
I will also purchase new bulbs (3 ATI,1 Giesemann and 2 UVL) and was going to change them 1 or 2 bulbs every week, but with the addition of the IceCap, what would be the best sequence to upgrade everything so I don't shock the corals or have an algae outbreak. (right now I'm using 4 stock and 2 UVL bulbs)
Thanks.

 

[nietzsche]

it will be hard to fix the ic660 in that unit. if you get some good quality bulbs like ati, uvl, and geisman, you should be fine. for ATI their Blue Plus bulbs are good, the aquasun you might need more blue to balance the color of this bulb

 

[zik69]

Does the useful life of the bulb shorten when it's on Icecap ballast?

 

[nietzsche]

I believe so, since it overdrives the bulbs. Just make sure the bulbs dont get wet and are cooled by the fans at the ends