is it possible to change PL e ballast to T5 ?

[freshfish]

as above is it possible to do so to fit T5 light tubes of higher output ? thanks

[bossteck]

I think you're talking about retrofitting PL light set to a T5HO light set?
It is not just the ballast you're looking at, but also, the end caps, reflectors, clips for the light tubes.

If I were you, I will just sell off my PL light set, and buy a ready made T5HO set, unless you enjoy the process of DIY.

[freshfish]

I think you're talking about retrofitting PL light set to a T5HO light set?
It is not just the ballast you're looking at, but also, the end caps, reflectors, clips for the light tubes.

If I were you, I will just sell off my PL light set, and buy a ready made T5HO set, unless you enjoy the process of DIY.

not that i enjoy DIY , but i cant find a 2.5 feet T5 HO ... unless you know of any shop /website that sells it ?

[freshfish]

I think you're talking about retrofitting PL light set to a T5HO light set?
It is not just the ballast you're looking at, but also, the end caps, reflectors, clips for the light tubes.

If I were you, I will just sell off my PL light set, and buy a ready made T5HO set, unless you enjoy the process of DIY.

just to further explain i would like to use my existing 2.5 feet PL light casing to house a T5 ( 2 x bulbs ) ... is it possible to do ?

[bossteck]

Hi,

I don't think you can easily find 2.5 ft T5HO light tubes. (By the way, there's T5 and T5HO, the HO stands for high output)

The standard sizes are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ft. So most likely, you will have to use 2ft tubes staggered at either end.

Whether or not you can reuse your current ballast depends on what wattage you're planning for your DIY set.

You can check out DE Lightings site. They carry retrofitting sets.

[freshfish]

Hi,

I don't think you can easily find 2.5 ft T5HO light tubes. (By the way, there's T5 and T5HO, the HO stands for high output)

The standard sizes are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ft. So most likely, you will have to use 2ft tubes staggered at either end.

Whether or not you can reuse your current ballast depends on what wattage you're planning for your DIY set.

You can check out DE Lightings site. They carry retrofitting sets.

hi , yeah i dont think so ... i was thinking of putting in 3 T5 tubes ...

but i not electronical tech inclined ... do you happen to know if they provide that service thanks alot

[bossteck]

Sorry, I don't know if they provide that.

[freshfish]

boss teck , what if i want to change my PL eballast from housing 2 x 36 watts to 2 x 55watts , can it be done ?

[vinz]

You can try asking whether Chan at Nature Aquarium will do it for you.

BUT... please consider the following: I once retrofitted a set of 6ft FL light set to PLs. Unfortunately, the PLs were too warm for the plastic transparent covers and baked them till they turned black. Fortunately, the didn't melt or catch fire. I don't know whether high output T5s produce more heat then PLs... but the point is, your casing may not be optimised for holding T5s.

Do check around with knowledgeable people first.

[freshfish]

oh thnks ... but T5 should be much cooler then PL lightings right ?

darn why dont they make 2.5feet T5s

[vinz]

Not sure... Google for the answer. Good if you post you findings back here.

[bossteck]

boss teck , what if i want to change my PL eballast from housing 2 x 36 watts to 2 x 55watts , can it be done ?

In theory can, but Vincent brought up a very good point on the heat. I won't be able to advise if your casing can take the heat. Best to check with the real pros.

[freshfish]

Not sure... Google for the answer. Good if you post you findings back here.

t5 is cooler and brighter ...

[tawauboy]

some data on osram's daylight tubes;
a) t5ho 39w - 3850 lumens
b) t8 36w - 3250 lumens
c) pl 36w - 2750
d) t5ho 54w - 4050 lumens
e) t8 58w - 5000 lumens
f) pl 55w - 4550 lumens

t5ho is not always better.

other than potential heat issues, available space in your existing housing will be critical. retrofitting to t5 may not give you higher light output because you'll need purpose designed t5 reflectors to get the best fixture efficiency.