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View Full Version : Workhorse ballasts?


cyber_ecco
02/26/2008, 08:58 AM
I've been reading that some people say these ballasts are crap. Can someone elaborate on that? I'm in the process of setting up a new tank and I am going to purchase some more T5 lights and i want to know which ballast I should get for my 4 X54W TEK retro. I do not need to over drive bulbs, so Ice Cap is out. I was planning to get the workhorse due to price, until I read some threads on another board. Is there anywhere I can see ballast comparisons? Is there a difference between ballasts that output the same wattage in terms of light? Thanks.

fishgutz
02/26/2008, 05:33 PM
I have been running 6x 80 watt T5 bulbs on my 180 with three WH 7 ballasts for over a year with no problems.

ellisz
02/26/2008, 08:08 PM
I use a WH7 to power 2 96 watt PC bulbs.

prugs
02/26/2008, 08:23 PM
I also use these ballast's to run my T5's. I run my T5's for 12hrs a day & have used the same lamps for 1-1/2 years.

SimilanRocks
02/26/2008, 08:31 PM
The one in Tek died on me in 8 months. Another one is still good almost a year now.

atvdave
02/26/2008, 09:24 PM
It's the same ballast that Aquactinics uses in the 14 bulb 72" T-5 light fixture.

Mine has been going strong for over 2 years now.

There not the best, but there not "crap" either.

spence15610
02/26/2008, 09:47 PM
I have 2 WH5 running 4 T5 ho bulbs and They have been running 12 hrs a day for 4 years now and never had a problem

cyber_ecco
02/27/2008, 06:54 AM
Thanks guys...I'm probably going to go for it then. I just wanted to be sure.

cyber_ecco
02/27/2008, 06:42 PM
Can any of you guys tell me if there is any difference in output from ballast to ballast. I mean does a Workhorse pushing 54W push out any more or less then lets say a Triad ballast pushing a 54W bulb? Or is 54W just 54W? Thanks.

Gord.

printedpaper
02/27/2008, 07:08 PM
I think the Triad is a program start where the Workhorse is a rapid start. Rapid start is suppose to hard on the bulbs. This is what I've read. Workhorse can't be all bad though there are a bunch of people using them. Mark

cyber_ecco
02/27/2008, 08:03 PM
Ah...i c. knew there had to be some difference. I mean the price difference is quite large between the Workhorse and others.