T5 ballasts

[nuke314]

Hi, I am brand new to this community, and relativley new to saltwater tanks (6 months). I found these ballasts on ebay (item # 130097194943)would they work for a DIY light hood?? Thanks for any input.

Alan

[Geoff]

Welcome to TRT!!!



they say only 4w of output power. that is not enough except for a very small nano. i actually did not know they made T-5's that small.

how wide is the tank you are looking to put the T-5's on?

G~

[nuke314]

I have the standard 55 gallon 48x 12 1/2 x 20, currently FOWLR. Right now I have a CF fixture with 2-65w smart paq lights. I want to get in to Coral someday, and was looking for a way to upgrade if necessary.

[Geoff]

a single 4' T-5 bulb is looking for 54w. you should be looking for ballasts that can handle at least this wattage for your tank.

take a look at www.hellolights.com . they have a lot of parts for all kinds of lighting.

G~

[nuke314]

Thanks Geoff, I just looked at that site. There is a lot for me to learn yet. But that definetly starts me in the right direction.

[Jahreefer]

T5's are definately good lighting, and they tend to run cooler, cheaper...oh and the replacement bulbs are way cheeper than VHO, compact, ect.

[nuke314]

Jeremey, thanks for the info. I like the pics of your tank. I just joined this forum, so I will update on my tank info soon.