reefgeezer
Active member
I posted this in the DIY forum, but no one had an opinion. Thought this might be a better place...
I have an old Coralife fixture on my 75 SPS system that was originally 2X 150W HQI and 2X 96W PC. I still use the HQIs but have modded the PCs to 6X 28w T5HO "on the cheap" using Coralife's electronic ballast that was driving the old PCs and end caps taken from a Lowes T5 fixture. This worked OK, definitely brighter and the bulbs lasted longer than the PC's. But now that the bulbs need replacement, I'd like to do a permanent mod with a proper ballast, reflectors, and waterproof end caps.
I'm planning on using four 54w T5HO bulbs instead of the six 28w bulbs. My initial questions are these: What ballast should I use? Is over-driving the bulbs a good idea? Where is the best place to buy the retrofit components?
Any other thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your advice.
I have an old Coralife fixture on my 75 SPS system that was originally 2X 150W HQI and 2X 96W PC. I still use the HQIs but have modded the PCs to 6X 28w T5HO "on the cheap" using Coralife's electronic ballast that was driving the old PCs and end caps taken from a Lowes T5 fixture. This worked OK, definitely brighter and the bulbs lasted longer than the PC's. But now that the bulbs need replacement, I'd like to do a permanent mod with a proper ballast, reflectors, and waterproof end caps.
I'm planning on using four 54w T5HO bulbs instead of the six 28w bulbs. My initial questions are these: What ballast should I use? Is over-driving the bulbs a good idea? Where is the best place to buy the retrofit components?
Any other thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your advice.
Just a little slow.
