T5 Lighting Question

mr_alberta · #1 02-09-2006, 05:08 PM

An Ice Cap 660, or 440 will light those. Also Triad ballasts will light T-5 bulbs. I think Workhorse ballasts work too, but I can't remember.

Also, you need T-5 endcaps as they are smaller than the normal T-8 or T-12 tubes.

TheReefGeek · #2 02-09-2006, 05:44 PM

Are there any actinic and 10K bulbs that will run on plain jane fluorescent ballast like the ones commonly found in office buildings running 4, 3-4 foot lamps?

mr_alberta · #3 02-09-2006, 06:00 PM

You should be able to get those Hagen bulbs that run on those ballasts at most pet stores.

TheReefGeek · #4 02-09-2006, 06:32 PM

Any internet links? I am having some trouble because there are T5, T8, T12 NO bulbs, I dont know what type of bulb the "office" fluorescents usually are.

TheReefGeek · #5 02-09-2006, 06:41 PM

I think I need to get the specs on the ballasts and go from there, I thought there might be a "standard" fluorescent lighting setup, but looks like there are different configurations.

If you do know of any other cheap bulb places for me to check that would be appreciated though.

Pescador · #6 02-09-2006, 07:27 PM

The number is the diameter of the tube in eighths of an inch.

ex. T8 = 1" dia.
T12 = 1.5" dia.

For regular T12's the wattage is 5/6 of the length in inches. ex. 48"=40w

Here's a link to some info http://members.misty.com/don/f-lamp.html

I think aquarium NO's usually have waterproof endcaps but you can buy those seperately.

DanG · #7 02-09-2006, 08:50 PM

My Coravue T5 lights have waterproof end caps.