Convert pc to t5

[-Aquaman-]

I am getting back into the hobby after many years. When I left the hobby I bought a metal halide/power compact light that was only used for a year. I'm thinking about trying to convert the pc to t5 because the bulbs are so hard to find now. Has anyone done this?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Yes.
You need to replace the ballasts and the connectors both.
Home Depot has the ballasts. Look for VHO t5 with the correct number of tubes.

 

[-Aquaman-]

Yes.
You need to replace the ballasts and the connectors both.
Home Depot has the ballasts. Look for VHO t5 with the correct number of tubes.

Do I need to change the reflector? Also on each side of the metal halides there is 1 pc. Do I replace the 1 pc with 1 t5 or 2?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Do I need to change the reflector? Also on each side of the metal halides there is 1 pc. Do I replace the 1 pc with 1 t5 or 2?

If the t5 fits no.
I’d go buy a cheap one , like a cool white , to fit it and see if it fits the reflector.
Same for the 1 or two question. If two fit , sure.
But if it’s a mh. You need one set of t5 for viewing , then the MH kick on for growth.

Mounting the end connectors may also be a trick.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

It may not be easy but it can be done.
If you’re not a diy er or electrician , be carful.

 

[jda]

You might be able to buy a retrofit kit without much trouble - it will have everything that you need but bulbs.

You can just use the PCs. They won't be doing any heaving lifting, but neither would the T5s - the MH is for that. PCs have good spectrum, just lower power for most. You can still get them in square and straight pin configuration. They are not expensive. I doubt that you could ever make up the cost difference between the electricity to run the PCs vs the cost to install and then run T5s. You can turn them off once the MH come on if you pick a good color MH bulb that needs no supplementation (there are lots of these).

 

[-Aquaman-]

You might be able to buy a retrofit kit without much trouble - it will have everything that you need but bulbs.

You can just use the PCs. They won't be doing any heaving lifting, but neither would the T5s - the MH is for that. PCs have good spectrum, just lower power for most. You can still get them in square and straight pin configuration. They are not expensive. I doubt that you could ever make up the cost difference between the electricity to run the PCs vs the cost to install and then run T5s. You can turn them off once the MH come on if you pick a good color MH bulb that needs no supplementation (there are lots of these).

I'd love to stick with the pc but their so hard to find. What I need is a 96 watt square pin actinic

 

[jda]

They are out there... maybe just not in the color that you are wanting.
https://hamiltontechnology.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=24_90_102

Coralife still makes them too, but only seem to see the 50/50 ones lately.

Edit: if you have some that work, just run them. They will be fine for supplement or dusk/dawn since the coral can get all that they need from the MH. I do not usually run supplemental T5/VHO or the like, but when I do, I go years without changing the bulbs unless they burn out (I do turn them off when the halides come on).

 

[-Aquaman-]

They are out there... maybe just not in the color that you are wanting.
https://hamiltontechnology.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=24_90_102

Coralife still makes them too, but only seem to see the 50/50 ones lately.

Ya that's what is in there now and I never did like the color that's why I was looking for full actinic

 

[jda]

LET makes a pretty good T5 retrofit kit... not too expensive. I have never used one on my own tank, but installed one of a friends tank and he likes them. They had good output.

 

[T-5unsystem]

Depending on what ballast is used you may not need to replace it. Workhorse ballasts for example can be wired for use on T5's. I'd recommend opening it up and taking a look around. Replacing the reflectors would also be wise since it will dramatically increase your output, T5 with a good reflector will have 200-300% more output than a lone bulb.