converting power compact fixture to t-5

[jojo727]

i have a Orbit 260wt power compact fixture, its 48" with 2 10k and 2 420 actnics. i want to take the 2 ballasts out of it and use them to power t-5 bulbs but i'm not sure how. as of now each ballast powers 2 PC bulbs (23"), so would it power the same number t-5 bulbs of the same size? i figure each ballast has 4 wires coming from it, 2 to each PC, if this is the case one these ballast would only be able to power one flourescent bulb...correct?
thanks for the help in advance.
btw, dont worry i have a 660 IceCap that will be powering t-5s also so there will be more than enough lighing...i think.

 

[jojo727]

now that i think about it, doesnt a pc bulb consist 2 bulbs bonded by a piece of glass and each of those bulbs are powered by a set of probes on the end? if this is the case than 4 wires go to each pc bulb and each ballast should be able to power (2) 24" t-5 bulbs

 

[ibew41]

no not all pc ballast will fire t5 ho lamps

 

[jojo727]

thanks for the info IBE, what determines if it will or not...power rating? if it wont work i guess i will have a T-5/PC combo, unless the IceCap 660 will push enough t-5 to support most LPS without needing the PC.
also which reflector would be better?
icecap
or Tek

 

[wangotango]

Originally Posted by JoJo727
http:///forum/post/2917974
thanks for the info IBE, what determines if it will or not...power rating? if it wont work i guess i will have a T-5/PC combo, unless the IceCap 660 will push enough t-5 to support most LPS without needing the PC.
also which reflector would be better?
icecap
or Tek
Overdriving the T5 bulbs with the Icecap 660 will probably be too much for LPS, and even if you were using a spec ballast you'd still get more light out of them that the PC could ever produce.
The Icecap reflectors are much better than the TEK.
If you don't want to run the IC ballasts, look into the Sylvania.
-Justin

 

[ibew41]

advance makes t5 ballast also that are less expensive

 

[jojo727]

Justin- thanks for the response. i never thought that set up would be too much for LPS, maybe i wont need the individual reflectors then. would the LPS be ok in the lower section of the tank, the tank is 24" tall?
IBE-thanks for the advice, but i already have the IC 660 and dont want to fork over any more money than i have to. i guess i could sell the 660 to buy 1 of the 2 that yall suggested but to much of a hassle...

 

[wangotango]

Yeah they should be fine lower down, just as long as they're not like right at the top.
-Justin

 

[05xrunner]

the Icecap reflectors are better then the TEK..but both are good.

 

[jojo727]

Thanks Justin. the light should be too bright for low light corals such as shrooms right? is there a chance i could get away without having the individual reflectors or is that to "iffy"?
05, thanks for the opinion...IceCap it is then.