Need help converting my power compacts to t5's!!!

[Baylor_Bumm]

I have a 4 ft current usa 150w metal halide/power compact fixture. I want to switch the power compacts out for t5's and I want to do it so that the canopy still looks like it came from the factory. I have already talked to a few people and know that I will need a new blast or 2, endcaps, and reflectors w/clips. What I need help with is everything else; I'm not sure how strong a t5 I should run; I am also unsure of the wiring that will be involved. If anyone has any experience doing something like this or any knowledge/advice about the amount of lighting or the electrical aspects it would be much appreciated!!!

 

[ToXIc]

subscribed.. i'm also looking at replacing my CF with T5 with my coralife aqualight pro..

 

[Baylor_Bumm]

bump

 

[caudill187]

I retrofitted the same fixture. I took out the CF's and added two 54w T5's and it works well. I used a hagen kit with ballasts and encaps all wired and water resistant but this is kind of bulky. It was easier for me to use this as I am not so crafty with electronics. You may be better off with an icecap kit, but I think any one would work?

 

[Wy Renegade]

If you're replacing ballast and end caps, then wiring will definitely be involved, just as you will have to find a method to fix the end caps into the canopy. The biggest issue is size of the existing light and making sure that the t5s will fit in the existing fixture, but it sounds like that shouldn't be an issue for you.

 

[Baylor_Bumm]

Thanks for all the advice!!! I now have a better understanding of whats going to need to happen to get this project accomplished but I still am unsure of how strong the t5's should be. I am thinking of using 4 54w's. I have a 72 gallon bow front, dimensions are:48x18x22. And the light hangs about 6 inches from the top of the water. My main concern is having too much light being given to the corals but I definitely want to put as much light on the corals as is safely possible.

 

[Dashiki]

Did this ever happen?

Im researchin changing my 4 -96 watt pc's to 8 - 39 watt t5's

Do i need to change the ballast? I know the 96 watts will overdrive the t5's a little but the question is will a pc ballast run t5's?

 

[GrampaDon]

Did this ever happen?

Im researchin changing my 4 -96 watt pc's to 8 - 39 watt t5's

Do i need to change the ballast? I know the 96 watts will overdrive the t5's a little but the question is will a pc ballast run t5's?

You will need to change the ballast for a T5 ballast.