work horse 7

saltynuts · #1 04-19-2009, 02:49 AM

would this workhorse ballast fire t5 bulbs say 2x48"
or even 2x36"
found one kicking around with the good od vho,s in it.
thanks for the time.

Binare · #2 04-19-2009, 03:13 AM

you would be able to run 4 x4' T5HO at 54w each off that. definately overkill for 2 3' or 4' bulbs.

saltynuts · #3 04-19-2009, 03:16 AM

thanks
i,am working on a new tank
45x30x20 i want it to be awesome!

Binare · #4 04-19-2009, 03:40 AM

If you need tombstones for t5 call eecol (spelling is correct) in Edmonton, hell of a lot cheaper then over the internet at some reef shop.

mike31154 · #5 04-19-2009, 03:47 AM

Check the 'Fulham' web site for wiring details on Workhorse ballasts. I'm using two Workhorse 8 ballasts to run four 48" T5HO lamps. The 8 is almost identical as the 7 in terms of wattage. Might be overkill, but by using two, I can run the pairs of lights on separate timers for more flexibility and they'll each run a little cooler running two lamps vice four. It's simply a matter of how many of the red wires you use to run each lamp. Cap the unused ones.

mike31154 · #6 04-19-2009, 03:50 AM

Here's a quote, I think from the Fulham site:

"Workhorse 7, Long Case, 120 volt Solid-State Electronic, Case Size, Height - 1.0", width - 1.72", Length - 18.5", Max. Power 220 watt, Max. Current 1.82 Amp. Instant start, Operating Temperature -20° F (-30º C) to 158º F (70º C) Low Cost Freezer Ballast Replacement. Sound Rated. A Do not use for remote mounting.
Workhorse 7 will operate following T5 lamps
F39T5 HO - 4 Lamps
F54T5 HO - 3 or 4 Lamps
F80T5 HO - 2 Lamps"

sphelps · #7 04-19-2009, 04:00 AM

I've used the 7s to fire four 3' bulbs, four 4' bulbs and two 5' bulbs. All worked well. I've also used it to overdrive two 3' and 4' bulbs but not sure the results where that great.

saltynuts · #8 04-19-2009, 04:09 AM

thanks guys my new tank is 45" long so i,ll have to go with 4x 36" bulbs.
canreef rocks!

mike31154 · #9 04-19-2009, 05:02 AM

You don't necessarily 'have' to go with 36" bulbs if using T5HO, unless you plan on covering the tank with a hood. The 48" retro T5HO set up I'm using is actually just a hair over 46" including the endcaps. 48" T5 lamps are actually only about 45" in length, so in the case of your new tank, the endcaps would stick over the edge only about half an inch, maybe less. 36" would be a cleaner install though, I guess.