T5 vs T8

[Lyscer]

I went to my local electrical supplier and they said that they don't have a t5 ballast that will power any 48" bulbs. I asked for a t5 ballast that will power 2 48" bulbs. However I see t5 setups all the time that have 48" bulbs. What's up with this? What am I not understanding? I would really like to get a t5 setup to simulate sunrise/sunset in my tank because they aren't as bright as my halides. anyone have any suggestions on what to get as far as t5 ballasts go? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just very confused.

 

[dvanacker]

There are new thing here in North America but catching on quick.

Some ballast can be used for all types of bulbs.....ask him if he can get a fulham workhorse 5 ballast. It will light 2x54w 48" T5HO bulbs.

As for your T8 vs T5.....T5 has a smaller diameter and is high output...it wins hands down and twice over.

 

[roader247]

I think the problem with allot of ballast is the won't start T5's and if they do they have a hard time doing it. Witch causes the ballast and bulbs not to last very long. Icecap ballast will run 4 48" bulbs and give alittle more par than MH

 

[Lyscer]

so is the workhorse 5 ballast a ballast that will just start the bulbs or is it made to start T5? Should I go with a more credible ballast?

 

[djtodd]

A Workhorse 5 will do the job just nicely. I have 1 firing a pair of 36" T5 actinics in my setup.

 

[Ten33]

Workhorse works just fine. Some people dont like them because they are rapid start, or instant on. I have WH ballasts firing my 54w T5's. Some fixtures such as the Tek use triad ballasts, which flicker the bulbs first and I believe that is a programmed start. Others say the rapid start will decrease the life of the bulbs or cause the black rings at the tube ends. I personally have not seen any evidence to confirm that. My bulbs are still going strong almost a year later.

 

[Lyscer]

So a workhorse 5 will power 2 48" bulbs, can it also power 4 48" bulbs or would I need 2 of the ballasts or a different kind?

 

[drgabe]

It will only power 2 48" 54 watt bulbs.

The workhorse 7 will power 4, but you wont have dawn/dusk capabilities.

http://www.aqualuxlighting.com/workhorse5.html
Stats on the WH 5.

++Edit for clarification++

 

[Lyscer]

if I did the 2 bulbs, which kelvin rating would you suggest would be best for a sunrise/sunset effect?

 

[Lyscer]

do you think that I wouldn't have dawn/dusk capabilities because the light would be to bright?

 

[Lyscer]

^

 

[drgabe]

By dawn/dusk effect, I am reffering to the ability of having two lamps on and two lamps off. You can only do that with 2 or more ballast.

As far as what bulbs to place, it depends on your tank width. Keep in mind each bulb needs its own parabolic reflector. A quick search in the T5 threads will give you lots of ideas for the tube arrangement depending on your taste.

 

[gussy]

Why don't you get the IceCap ballast? They'll power the T5s and with good reflectors comparable to MH. Definitely brighter than the T8s.