T5 Ballast

[naprestsleep]

I was at one of the big box hardware stores looking for a shop light (for the house) and saw they carry T5 ballast. Whats the difference between buying one general lighting and one for an aquarium? Reason I am asking is I want to setup a simple lighting rig for a small frag tank.

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

If it was at a general hardware store, it was probably normal output (NO), not high output (HO). So-called "T5" lighting used for reefs is typically HO.

Though, you never know - can you provide a model number?

 

[naprestsleep]

I will have to look closer next time I am there, but the NO vs HO makes sense as looking at the bulbs they carry online the wattage is lower than the bulbs sold for reef keeping.