Attention diy lovers!

[Acro]

I have a project I'm working on right now. I'm currently going to add some t5 to my radions. I'm looking to do one on each side of them.

What are some good single bulb fixtures and preferably one that can dim?

I'll try and post a pic of my diagram soon!

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[Mike J.]

In order to dim T5 HO bulbs you will need a special ballast. Using a dimmer for a T5 ballast will damage the ballast or just shut down the lights as less power goes to the ballast. You did say DIY - get some ends and this ballast. Or don't dim them.

High Quality T5 Fluorescent Lamp Electronic Ballast - Buy T5 Fluorescent Lamp Electronic Ballast,High Quality Electronic Ballast,T5 Dimmer Electronic Lamp Ballast Product on Alibaba.com

 

[3lusive]

Reef Geek has the ATI dimming T5 ballasts , I would go with those. I know they are a little spendy as I have 2 of them, but they are worth the coin.

2x24w & 2x39w
ATI 2x24W & 2x39W T5 High-Output Dimmable Ballast ? ReefGeek

2x54w
ATI 2x54W T5 High-Output Dimmable Ballast ? ReefGeek

 

[ethridge78]

Watching this one thinking about doing the same thing.

 

[Acro]

Well I attempted at my DIY, but unfortunately after getting it all hooked up it didn't even turn on not sure on what I did wrong!

 

[3lusive]

Well I attempted at my DIY, but unfortunately after getting it all hooked up it didn't even turn on not sure on what I did wrong!

Any info on what you did, so maybe we can help you get it figured out ?

 

[Acro]

I'm just not a very good electrician a buddy of mine sent me a link to this which I think I'll go with!

http://www.marinedepot.com/AquaticL...llasts-AquaticLife-AK01211-FILTACBAFL-vi.html

 

[Mike J.]

So you decided to go not dimmable? There's several electricians on here, including me, that will walk you through it. Once you do it once you'll get it.

 

[Mike J.]

What kind of wire is that? You should use 14 gauge hard wire, not stranded. Send a picture of what you have so far.

 

[Reefing Madness]

What kind of wire is that? You should use 14 gauge hard wire, not stranded. Send a picture of what you have so far.

For a ballast? Use hard wire?? WOW. I'd have gone with the 14 stranded myself, to hard to work with the hard wire in those tight areas. I don't think its pushing enough amps to do any harm there using the stranded. ??

 

[Mike J.]

Sorry, buddy, open any light and look for yourself. Wonder why all lights are wired that way? Is everybody doing it wrong? I'd link something, but I got to go to bed.

 

[Mike J.]

Computer glitch.

 

[thesaltysnailer]

Found this to be an interesting thread sense most people add led to t5 first time I have come across the opposite. Hope it works out.

 

[Acro]

It is 14 gauge hard wire, sorry I fell asleep early last night.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Not every unit Mike. I deal with this stuff every day, and can crack several units open and take pics of them. Why would you need solid wire to be used?

 

[Acro]

I have the unit up and working, I do have a question though. What can I put in the end caps to make them more water resistant?

 

[Acro]

Would silicone work? I'm at Home Depot and they aren't very helpful

 

[joekool]

Where in Florida are you Acro

 

[Acro]

Where in Florida are you Acro

Tampa