Electrical/Ballast help

[Mr_Cool]

I just got a PC fixture (2x55W). But, I opened it up to take a look at the ballast. The I think the ballast is capable of driving 2 T5HO bulbs, but I'm not sure. Can someone give me some help on this one? I only want to run 24 in. bulbs, but I really don't know too much about electronics and wiring. The ballast is about 14.5 inches long. Anyone know if this will work? If so, what do I need to use this? Waterproof endcaps, reflectors, bulb clips (the things that hold the bulbs in place), and what else?

[urban79]

YOU just need end caps. one side take blue and yellow and the other side takes the red and green(i think) you should have some kinda wireing pic. But all you need is end caps you can get any all you need to do is strip and slide the wire in.

[Mr_Cool]

So, this WILL work for T5HO? How many watt does the 24" bulbs put out? Is this the correct ballast for 24" bulbs?

[Ed]

Yes, it will work for T5HO, but this ballast appears to be for 2X54W bulbs which are generally 46.5" long. However, it also shows 2X39W in your pic. It may run the 24" bulbs but would likely overdrive them. If it came off a 2X55W PC, I would suggest it be used for 2X54W T5HO. I have retro'd a 2X55W PC fixture with 2X54W T5HO and it works great. There is a wiring diagram to the right of where it says "Centium" in your pic. Green is usually ground. HTH.

-Ed

[Mr_Cool]

Thanks Ed! I saw the wiring diagram. I think I can handle that.

Is there a problem with overdriving the bulbs, though? Does that mean the bulbs will not last as long, or that they will just run hotter or something? I don't have the room for 46.5" bulbs. Is there anything else I could do, or should I try the 24" inch bulbs? Actually, I could probably go with some 36" bulbs. I think they would fit. Any thoughts on that?

[Ed]

Bulb life would be shorter if you overdrive them. If you can use the 36" (actually 34.5" and 39W) that would be my choice over the 24". I run 8x39W T5HO on my 180 and they do an outstanding job.

[Mr_Cool]

This sounds great. What I'm thinking of doing, then, is using this ballast for 2x39W T5's and adding another 2x24" T5's (I think those are 24W each, right?) This would all go inside a canopy for a 75 gallon corner pentagon. I think that's about all I could do considering the room I have to work with inside the canopy. I was thinking of MH instead, but don't want to spend too much or modify the canopy. Heat would be a real problem!

How do you think the T5 idea would do? Right now, I just have a different set of 2x55W PC's. The tank is about 25" high. This would do me much better, right?

Thanks for the input, Ed.

[Ed]

Yes, IMO the T5s will blow away the PCs. Reflectors are key with T5s, however. I use TEK reflectors and recommend them. Icecap makes some that are good also. I really like the UVL Superactinic R actinic bulbs and use GE or Philips 6500K daylights, but that is just my preference. Don't know if it would work in your setup, but I moved the ballasts outside the canopy to eliminate any heat that they might produce from entering the tank. Sounds like you are on the right track. Good luck with your new setup.

[Mr_Cool]

Thanks alot for the help and advice, Ed. I've heard before the only way to go is with the TEK individual reflectors. There's a guy on Reef Central (can't think of his name right now), but apparently, he's the T5 God. I've seen lots of posts asking for his advice on bulb combinations. I'll have to look up or ask for a recommendation for this set up.

Thanks again!

[brewercm]

I thought that ballasts for flourescent bulbs tend to run up to a certain size/wattage bulb unlike halides that are designed for a specific bulb wattage. There should be a diagram on the ballast that would show you wiring for the numbers and sizes of bulbs that you want to run and the hookup for that setup.
Is this correct or are some of the ballasts different?

[Ed]

Mr. Cool,

You're welcome! LMK if you have any other questions I can help with.


Cliff,

You're correct. Icecap 430/660 ballasts have many different configurations (many of which overdrive the bulbs). Not sure if the Advance PC/T5 ballasts like in Mr. Cool's pic are quite as flexible.