[lightngsvt]

What purpose does the rubber spacer provide in a VHO end cap? Of the 3 pr I got, 1 pair has screws that are to short. They will attach the end cap to the base, but not long enough to attach them with the spacer in place. Is the spacer necessary?

 

[Dave]

The rubbery thing is a gasket. It's there to seal out water.

There are two places moisture can get into the end cap - around the bulb and where it meets the stand-off. Both of these places should have rubber gaskets.

If you're putting these in a sealed canopy, I wouldn't worry too much about running without a gasket. If you're running them bare (no splash shield), be very careful.

 

[lightngsvt]

Yep, open canopy. But its about 12" tall so not very close to the water. I dont see how this gasket is totally effective though, since the area underneath where the wires enter is still open. I went to the hardware store and bought some longer screws so I can use the gaskets.

 

[Dave]

Aw, come now...IceCap can't do everything for us!

If you're 12" above the waterline, you'll probably be just fine, as long as you don't have any "Surge of God" type surface action.

 

[murph]

i have them in my hood chick and my hood is quite tall. the way to avoid the gaskets is to take and seal the wires up with a good dollop of silicone. that does the trick, and it is a good idea to do even if you are using the gaskets.

murph

 

[lightngsvt]

I finished wiring everything up. Ill have to think about the silicone idea, couldnt hurt. Actually the VHO's will end up about 10" from the top of the tank. No surge here, Im going to start with the LG return pump and 2- split returns and see how things work out.