what t5ho ballasts to get?

[Jstn]

I have a tek 8 bulb with a shot ballast, I plan on using for a month while I take my 6 bulb down for a t5/led hybrid. I see alot of ballast choices, would any standard f54t5ho balllast work? For reference this fixture has advanced ballasts which from my limited searches hear are not the best.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Need to know how many bulbs it was running and at what wattage.


I recently asked a similar question and ended up getting a Fulham Workhorse. I was then told it wasn't the best choice. I have it running and I'm happy....two 54W T5's supplimenting LEDs.

 

[Jstn]

the 8 bulb has 2x 4 bulb ballast, now mind you this i a temporary light, Im not looking for the top shelf. But while on the topic I am open for suggestion in the way of a better ballast for my hybrid light.

 

[redfishbluefish]

If you decide to go Fulham Workhorse, you want a Workhorse 7....which I think you can find for less than 50 bucks. HERE's the wiring diagram.

 

[ryan803]

I have been running 4 workhorse 7's on my tank for almost 4 years now with not a single problem. 4 ballasts each running 2x80 watt ati bulbs...

 

[hybridazn]

The big complaint about the workhorse ballast is that it underdrives the bulbs a little. I run one as well and have no problems with it either.

 

[The-Russ]

I am running ice cap, but they are expensive and don't last. They overdrive the bulbs which is nice, but with 8 bulbs front to back I question if it's needed.

I'm considering changing to the workhorse when my ballasts die.

Anyone try the dim-able ballasts? I thought about try some to get that "ramp up" effect.

 

[red13]

I did some research awhile ago on t5 ballasts, found that giesman uses the Philips ballasts and looks like ATI uses LET lighting for their ballasts. Figured if they were good enough for them, they would work for me. I was able to find them both with some research, sorry I can't find the links. Hope it helps.