T5 wiring help

[roidan]

i have wired my own 2x54w T5 lights with osram eballast...

i wonder if i can install switches in the circuit such that i can choose to operate either lamp 1 or lamp 2 independently...from the default wiring schematic, both lamps will switch on and off together...

any bros to help?

[HorizonVentures]

hi Bro,

I dont think you can do that cos the E-ballast controls 2T5 at one time. You may need to get 2 separate E-ballast if you want to have 2 control for the 2 T5 Tubes.

[sherchoo]

Errrr... I have tried using a twin eballast for just one tube. So I'm quite sure that you can put a separate switch for each individual light. It will work with no problems. But whether it will reduce it's lifespan, I wouldn't know. Anyway, mine was used for more than a year without failure.... so it's up to you if you still want to try.

[stmoo]

what i do is connect a switch to one of the wire for each PL tube ,my is 2x36w.
eg. the switch is cannected to wire "1" and "5" and that it allow me to switch on/off either tube and the main switch for the eballast is still on and its connected to a timer. and has being use for 1/2 yr liao.
i not sure it work for your T5 tube or not.

[benny]

Hi guys,

Are T5 lighting suitable for planted tanks? I have only see 12000K tubes on the market so far, besides the actnic blue and red ones. Are there tubes with the color temperature range of 6000 to 8000 k?

Thanks!

Cheers,

[tawauboy]

connecting a switch between eballast and pl/fl tube is a risk. the starting voltage is about 1000+ volts ac. don't think there are that many switches available which are designed to switch such high voltage. arcing will definately occur everytime you switch on or off your lights. there will be a risk that the arcing will leak out and 'strike' your finger. after repeated switching on/off, the switch may 'fuse' giving you a permanent 'on'.

be on the safe side and operate these switches after you have switched off the mains.

[cheeboonyong]

I believe there are 6500k T5 tubes. Try www.eaquanature.com