t-12 to t-5 lighting
- Thread starter mbell09
- Start date
One Dumm Hikk
In Memoriam
You replace the ballast, you replace the end caps, you replace the bulbs, then you realize you have nothing left of the original light fixture. Or, are you trying to figure out if a T12 ballast could run T5 bulbs?
oldsaltman
New member
I have T8 ballast running T5 bulbs, but they are overdriver. I am using one ballast designed for two bulbs to run one light. I have one set on a tank that has been up and running for a few years and a new set that are just fixing to be put into service.
oldsaltman
New member
You might be better off to buy all the new stuff and forget the T12 unit.
oldsaltman
New member
After having our tank for over about five years now I don't have to justify it anymore. I just tell her that all her pets have outgrown their home and that they need a new one or else. She said get it done! I am now doing a 90g inwall upgrade with everything new. That is not cheap.
liveforphysics
New member
If you are looking to replace the URI VHO actinic bulb with a T5HO, sadly there is nothing I've found that compares.
The closest bulbs I found after trying everything was the DD pure actinic bulb. It's generally cheaper to buy the VHO bulbs than the DD T5s. Nothing quite makes a tank have the same crazy pop that the old school URI VHO bulbs offer.
Otherwise, just new end caps will enable your setup to light T5HO bulbs, but you will need a higher current ballast to drive them to full output or beyond.
The closest bulbs I found after trying everything was the DD pure actinic bulb. It's generally cheaper to buy the VHO bulbs than the DD T5s. Nothing quite makes a tank have the same crazy pop that the old school URI VHO bulbs offer.
Otherwise, just new end caps will enable your setup to light T5HO bulbs, but you will need a higher current ballast to drive them to full output or beyond.
liveforphysics
New member
That depends on how many bulbs you are trying to light, and if you can deal with a single corded setup or must have stages.
oldsaltman
New member
If you are tring to convert a T12 fixture to a T5 fixtuer the question has been answered. You will need to convert everything (endcaps, bulbs, and ballast). What type reflectors are you using? You may need new clips/holders for those. Is the ballast you have "built into" the fixture or replacable? The ballast will dependant upon how many T5 bulbs you are going to use if you are going to do a DIY.
As for the ballast, need to know the length of the T5 bulbs you want to run. For programmed start ballast the model number differ with 24"-36" as opposed to 48" bulbs. However, Icecap 430&660 will run all lengths.
If your trying to find the ballast locally, the ansi code is T5HO and should be printed on the ballast if it will drive them. Programmed start is preferred over instant start when given the choice.
Reefgeek carries all the stuff at good prices. You really won't save much on the ballast ( and in many times costs more ) when going through a local lighting company.
If your trying to find the ballast locally, the ansi code is T5HO and should be printed on the ballast if it will drive them. Programmed start is preferred over instant start when given the choice.
Reefgeek carries all the stuff at good prices. You really won't save much on the ballast ( and in many times costs more ) when going through a local lighting company.
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on the fixture itself it is rated as follows 2 t12 40 w or 2 t-12 34 watts or 2 t-8 32 watts or 2 t-12 25 watts a single cord to the ballast noone seems to have a resonable deal with a fixture I have t-5 46 inch super actinic light bulbs that i want to use right now on the tank is a 48 inch no 50/50 bulb t-8 i beleive want to drive a toatal of 4 of the t-5 supers would love to get a used fixture or such the wife is really naggin about spending 2-300 on lighting so i amtrying to save a little i get the bulbs free no problem they are 40- 60 buck a pop so anything i can do to drop cost is a plus for me
Ballast won't work. Programmed start ballast for T5s run $40 each at most places and you need 2 of them.
Confused, you say you get bulbs for free ? 40-60 buck a pop ? T12 and T5s should generally run about $20-25 each.
Confused, you say you get bulbs for free ? 40-60 buck a pop ? T12 and T5s should generally run about $20-25 each.
yea i got lots of t-5 bulbs just wanted to change over from t12 vho with ice cap ballast from another tank and stand setup to t-5 for a bigger tank just got a stand and canopy for it and wanted better lighting the t-12 are getting dropped from lfs and not carrying t-12s only t-5 t-8 and mh i am scared of mh cause i heard they kill corals my tank is only 20 inches deepso was worried about frying everthing
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