*** UPDATE*** Ballast above the water? (got response from Icecap)

[javajoe]

I got an icecap 660 ballast, and in the instruciotns, it says to mount the ballast above the water line. Is this in case the tank leaks? I was planning on mounting it inside my tank stand that i built- was going to put in underneath, out of the way screwwed on to the side. can i do this?

 

[mr . salty]

That would be fine.That is where most of my electric stuff is...

 

[javajoe]

Thanks.... I figure they are just trying to cover their but in case someone puts the ballast under a leaky tank....

 

[beth]

You could send Icecap an email and ask them the reason.
beth@icecapinc.com

 

[kdlbem]

I don't know how warm the Icecaps get, but I have 4-55 watt CSL PC's that the ballasts run almost 90 degrees. I know this because I thought that they would be okay under the tank.......WRONG!
I had constant problems with the tank temp rising as much as 4 or 5 degrees a day. I took them out, and haven't had any problems with heat since.
Just something to think about.
B

 

[jond]

Just make sure you have drip loops on all your cords.

 

[javajoe]

What is a drip loop?
(oh beth- thanks for the email addres-- i just sent them an email)

 

[mr . salty]

A drain loop is just a loop,or dip in the power cord at the ballast.Picture a drop of water following the cord down to the ballast,when it reaches this loop it drips off the cord and onto the floor.Not into the ballast.

 

[javajoe]

Thanks Mr Salty-- I kinda figured that was it- but was not sure if was something that you attatched... was this on the instructions for my Red Sea Prizm skimmer that just came yesterday! (my fish are so happy! )

 

[javajoe]

I heard back from icecap-
My question to them:
"I notice in my instructions it tell me to make sure that the icecap
ballast is ABOVE the water line. Why is that needed? I was planning
on mounting it to the bacl of my tank stand."
There response...
"This is to prevent spills from splashing onto the ballast. If you must mount
below water line form a drip loop in the harness to prevent water and salt
from creeping down the harness to the ballast. Also some type splash guard would help."

 

[up north hermit]

Just a FYI
The IceCap 660 produces MINIMAL heat, and is practically cool to the touch. This is the beauty of the electronic ballasts.
Enjoy!

Hermit

 

[javajoe]

Hermit--- Yeah i was surprised about the low heat output-- saw that BIG heatsink and was expecting it to get quite warm- but it barely dose at all- i imagine it WILL run a little warmer when i have 4 bulbs instead of 2, but is quite cool so far....
Joe