lighting question

[PhotoJohn]

I have wired lights before but will a flourescent ballast from lowes run T5 bulbs assuming it can push 108watts 2x54w 48"? The icecap ballasts seem steep at $150 when a ballast at lows is like $25. Also will one of these off brand (non-icecap) ballasts work with the icecap brand water proof end caps?

[poppin_fresh]

The ballast has to be able to strike a T5 bulb. Most off the shelf ballasts are designed to light plain old T8 bulbs @ 40 watts. You can find ballasts that are rated to run T5 for a lot less than $150 (maybe $45) and yes they should all work with the Icecap or Tek brand waterproof endcaps.

[PhotoJohn]

thank you for the info

[dfisch1]

I am all for doing things that will save me money but I would not skimp on my ballast. The thing that you should think about is that the ballasts that you can get a lowes and home depot may not have been designed to be used in areas of high moisture (ie. around your tank). I would personally not get ballasts that were not made specifically for use around marine aquariums. If I were in your shoes I would look into the many brands that are on the market and determine which is better for your situation. I personally like Icecap and Hagens Glo systems.

[lReef lKeeper]

i know there are some workhorse ballast available at lowes and home depot that will fire T5's. i think they are work horse 5 or 7 ballasts. i would ask someone at the hardware store which ones will fire the bulbs without overdriving them to much. overdriving to much cuts down on the bulbs life.

[poppin_fresh]

If I remember from taking apart my Sunlight Supply TEK fixture, they use Workhorse ballasts (sometimes Triad also). They are NO different from the off the shelf versions. They are not specially designed to be near water and neither are the Icecaps. You still need to use caution with what ever you decide to buy.

[PhotoJohn]

I was going to place the electronic MH and electronic T5 ballasts on top of the stand top

[PhotoJohn]

what do people think of this retro kit?
48" TEK 2 T5 Retro Kit 2 x 54W lamps by Sunlight Supply - AquaCave
thanks