T5 ballast advise

[scubabum1983]

I have trolled the lighting and filtration forum and need some advise. I'm going to retire my t 12s. I'm set on running t5s by ati. My delema is the ballast brand to run. Also if dimmable ballasts are worth the extra cash. What ballast will make the light the best it can look. I know ati makes ballasts, I just want to buy ballasts once. let me know what you use and where you got it? Also I have a rkl, so a light control module could be in the cards.

 

[ynnhoj86]

If your gonna DIY, go to the lighting store and buy two workhorse 5 ballast. Follow the diagram and run the wires to the bulbs. Each ballast will light two bulbs. Cost is about 25 bucks per ballast. Also these ballast will overdrive the bulbs. The tek fixtures used these ballast in their fixtures.

 

[oscarslr]

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/t5...res/2x54w-t5-high-output-ballast-ati3213.html

best for producing colors, cant really comment on dim-able, i currently use ice cap 660s as i was looking for more growth, but will be switching early next year to optimize color

 

[Phong33]

How many bulbs are you going to run and how long are they?

If you are on a budget, the workhorse 5 ballasts work great and the wiring is very simple. Although I don't think they overdrive the bulbs.

The Icecap ballast are awesome and will overdrive the bulbs which will give you more PAR. If you do use those, you will need to run a fan for the bulbs because they will heat up and overdriving it will decrease the lifespan of the bulbs.

 

[scubabum1983]

I have 4 48 inch t 12 s at the moment. I have 2 250w halides, so the fans are already in place. I looked at running the 48 inch t5 s or the 80w 60 inchers. I have what I think are the workhorse 5 or 7 s in my old Pfo t 12 ballast I could use too. I'd like to have at least 4 t5 ho bulbs

 

[Phong33]

Since you are running mh lights, I wouldn't go with icecap ballast. It would just be a waste of money, electricity and bulbs. I would use the workhorse if you have them. Here are wiring diagrams for the workhorse (I would use diagram 9).
http://www.naturallighting.com/pdf_files/workhorse_wire_diagrams.pdf