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02-17-2008, 03:14 PM
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#1
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Big Fishy
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Greer, SC
Posts: 891
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T5 ballast questions
Which is the best? I realize that most people will jump on IceCap, but they are just simply too expensive to buy 2 of them for 8 bulbs. I also don't want to overdrive the bulbs. What is the best "lower" price ballast or are they all the same? I've seen ballasts online from Advance, Sylvania, Workhorse, Universal... And then there are ones that can be dimmed, what special equipment is needed for those?
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02-17-2008, 04:15 PM
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#2
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: spartanburg, south carolina
Posts: 4,715
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Not sure about the dimmable ballasts. I'd say most of the T5HO ballasts will be the same, there's no problem going generic if you don't intend to overdrive the bulbs. Just make sure the ballasts are "UL" rated and you should be good to go. They also should have the wiring diagram printed on the face. I'm sure Tony could wire a ballast in the dark with one hand tied behind his back if you needed help. These are the ones I got from reefgeek (they are Triad ballasts):
http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/Par...5_Fluorescent/
BTW, they look amazingly similar to the ballast that he showed around last night! |
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02-17-2008, 04:53 PM
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#3
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SHARK
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: DFW, Texas
Posts: 2,017
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make sure its "ul" listed
__________________
Chris
chrischris not tomtom
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02-17-2008, 07:45 PM
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#4
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Big Fishy
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Greer, SC
Posts: 891
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Ok, thats what I want to know. The dimmable ones are much more expensive and will power only 2 lights from what I've seen and I don't really want a whole bunch of ballasts, I'd like to get 2 4x54 instead of 4 2x54.
It still seems odd, I can get the Advance (ICN4S5490C2LS) ballast for $100, and the Workhorse 7 for $40. There's got to be some differences, right?
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02-17-2008, 08:54 PM
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#5
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: spartanburg, south carolina
Posts: 4,715
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Honestly, I don't see why there would be such a huge price difference. You can get a workhorse for less than $40. Never ordered from these guys but:
http://www.naturallighting.com/web/s...on=show_detail |
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02-18-2008, 08:08 PM
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#6
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Big Fishy
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Greer, SC
Posts: 891
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Ok, time to make the descision. I can get (4) 2x54 retrofits from hellolights.com incl bulbs for $536 OR I can piece my system together for $550 from different sites getting tek reflectors and (2) 4x54 Workhorse 7 ballasts instead of 4 2x54 Advance ballasts. Are the Tek reftlectors worth the trouble of working with 4 different websites?
While I'm asking, this is what I've got on my list of things to buy: Reflectors, Ballasts, endcaps, stand-offs, power cords, 18g wire, and bulbs. Anything else?
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02-18-2008, 08:48 PM
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#7
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: spartanburg, south carolina
Posts: 4,715
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If you don't have a controller, I'd recommend going with two workhorses (2X4) since it would only require two plugs and two timers. Keeps things simple. Your parts list is pretty complete, I would add a coupl of three prong heavy duty power cords for the ballasts.
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02-18-2008, 08:49 PM
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#8
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: spartanburg, south carolina
Posts: 4,715
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BTW, I'd try to get the Ice Cap reflectors, they are more narrow and if you plan to cram 8 bulbs over your tank, the extra room may come in handy. |
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02-18-2008, 09:30 PM
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#9
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Big Fishy
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Greer, SC
Posts: 891
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Yeah they are 1/4 in smaller, which would add up. The reflectors that come with hellolights retro kits are 2". It has been said that maybe I don't need 8 bulbs? What do you guys think?
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