T8 to T5

[Louie3]

I have a caouple T8 ballasts and I was wondering if I can use T5 endcaps and T5 bulbs? And Just not exceed the Max wattage?

[seamonkey2]

can't read

[BIGBIRD123]

It usually depends on the make of the ballasts. What type ballasts? I have used my Workhorse ballasts for every type except MH and they worked great with all of them. The Triad ballasts are made specifically for T-5's.

Steve

[Louie3]

Thanks Jose for the quick reply!
Yeah I know that the T8 are bigger while the T5's are smaller. But Can I use a ballast for T8's to fire up T5's? (with T5 endcaps)

[BIGBIRD123]

It usually depends on the make of the ballasts. What type ballasts? I have used my Workhorse ballasts for every type except MH and they worked great with all of them. The Triad ballasts are made specifically for T-5's.

Steve

Answer my question and I will be glad to help...

Steve

[caferacermike]

The ballast will usually have a sticker on it that indicates usable lights. You can generally cross check them online at the manufacturers websites.

[BIGBIRD123]

What Mike says is true and most have different wiring sequences for different bulbs. Just about any ballast except triads will run any flouresecent T5-T12, just need to know what ballasts you have. I am running Icecaps and workhorse right now for my actinics.

Steve

[seamonkey2]

what Steve said :)

I cant read worth a lick, It must be the egg nog :)

I knew my wife put something in it :)

Jsoe

[BIGBIRD123]

Jose, why mess-up good liquor with egg nog? LMAO! I'd be worried if my wife was putting stuff in my drinks... I have an expensive habit...LOL!

Steve

[Louie3]

Steve sorry for the earlier post, I gues I must've been replying when you sent the message.

This is the info I have its a box of 10 T8 balasts
Brand: HI (Howard Industries)
Electronic Balast
EP3/32IS/120-277SC
.73-.31AMP 50-60Hz

[caferacermike]

http://www.howard-ind.com/HowardLighting/Literature/MultiVoltProductLineBrochure.pdf

If I'm reading it correctly it can handle up to 84 watts and 2-3 bulbs of T8 lighting. I'm not an electrician so I can't tell you if it will fire the bulbs or not, but many of the flourscent lights are somewhat compatible. Write an email to the company and ask them what they think.

[Louie3]

wOw you did all my work for me well im going to email them and maybe theres a reef electrician around?

[Louie3]

Would it be a wise idea to order some T5 end caps and a bulb to try it out?

[Louie3]

OK MAN! I cant send emails :(

[Louie3]

:wacko

[alton]

If the ballast does not have a wiring diagram that shows T-5, or you can not find it online I would not try it.

[caferacermike]

I sent one out for you Louie. I'll let you know what and if I get a response.

[Louie3]

Thanks mike! hmmn alton I couldnt find a diagram on the case any where

[Louie3]

I got some info of this ballast being able to sustain 2-3 T12 bulbs 80-120w in total so would it be safe to just try out 2-24W 24" bulbs?

[caferacermike]

Louie I never received an email back. Just wanted you to know. What size bulbs were you wanting to run? I might be able to get you a handful of plain T5's to experiment with.

[Louie3]

I was looking for 24" or bigger. Because if I'm able to run this on this ballast I might want to use it on my 55g.