View Full Version : Tank light ballast selection
sikpupy
08/21/2008, 03:12 PM
Okay, i am a cheap b*****d but not to the point where it makes no sence. I have an idea for a light timing system and will need at least 5 ballasts. If I get the icecap ballasts, i might as well be looking for a new place to live cause I will not be able to pay rent. What I need to find is some cheap ballasts that will run a T5HO bulb. Can I use any ballast I find with the correct wattage or is there something specific I NEED to use? I have heard of bulbs not giving all they could but is this because there is not enough wattage comming out of the ballast, or............????
School me :D
what other ballasts are you looking at? have you looked at the workhorse line? I'm sure someone knows a lot more about them than I do (I've always run icecaps), but I've heard good things about them.
sikpupy
08/21/2008, 07:48 PM
Uhm, been looking at 12.99 home depot shop light ballasts :(
Phyxius
08/21/2008, 07:50 PM
I say check out the Workhorse ballasts also. When I had some on my 65g tank I used a WH and it was pretty cheap..
sikpupy
08/22/2008, 01:00 PM
WH = Workhorse ??? :o
Phyxius
08/22/2008, 01:01 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13206923#post13206923 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sikpupy
WH = Workhorse ??? :o
yup :)
There are a bunch of models of these so if you go that route make sure you get the right ones...
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13202475#post13202475 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sikpupy
Uhm, been looking at 12.99 home depot shop light ballasts :(
without knowing a lot about those ballasts, it's hard to say if they're a good idea. look at something a little more geared for the hobby.
chrismunn
08/22/2008, 04:53 PM
ide try your question in one of the other forums. ive also wondered about using the rediculously cheap home depot ballasts for VHO's. most of the flourecent ballasts ive seen at home depot say "T8" on them. i dont know what that means exactly, but i wonder if its related to "T5", but with an 8??? :D
sikpupy
08/23/2008, 03:43 PM
I think there is something to them I have seen them specify T5HO etc. What I dont understand is what the difference is?? AC is AC (here in the US) and as long as the ballast wattage meets the bulb wattage, I would think thats all there is to it. Then again, thats is why i am askig about this.
sphinx105
08/23/2008, 06:17 PM
Sikpupy, I sent you a PM, I may have some leftover T5 HO ballasts to help you out here. They are Universal B454PUNV-E and will run 4 T5 HO's in several configurations.
sikpupy
08/23/2008, 10:13 PM
Will check, thanks
Gawain1974
08/23/2008, 11:29 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13208223#post13208223 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chrismunn
ide try your question in one of the other forums. ive also wondered about using the rediculously cheap home depot ballasts for VHO's. most of the flourecent ballasts ive seen at home depot say "T8" on them. i dont know what that means exactly, but i wonder if its related to "T5", but with an 8??? :D
The "T" rating on a bulb has to do with the bulb's diameter in increments of 1/8 of an inch. So a T5 bulb is 5/8 an inch, and a T8 is one inch.
I know people who have bought ballasts from hydroponics shop and use them for their reef tanks (magnetic ballasts for halide setups).
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