Overdrive T5

nitro · Sep 17, 2016

Hello,
I have seen a few posts where guys are overdriving there T5 fixtures to get longer bulb life and better performance. How hard is this to do and what would I need to get this done? Also why do they not offer them up this way from the factory?
Thanks, Nitro

jsker · Sep 17, 2016

Good question,
My guess would be that the factory would think this is hard on the ballast and do not recommend doing it??? and this would also void the warranty.

G8trBait16 · Sep 17, 2016

Overdriving them actually decreases the bulblife, but it creates more PAR from the bulb. At least that is my understanding.

nitro · Sep 17, 2016

I have been digging around this forum, but I thought I read that it actually increases bulb life but that doesn't sound correct.
Nitro

mcarroll · Sep 17, 2016

Longer life and better performance = LED

For perspective on cost, you can DIY a 48" LED fixture for under $100 to try it out. That would be good for a 48x12" tank like a 55 gallon.....it's about $25 per foot and you can build it however long you like, really. No soldering – it uses inexpensive, widely available GU10-standard sockets and bulbs.

Just sayin....I know you didn't ask.