can CF ballasts run t5 bulbs?

[wes]

I was reading this ebay listing


http://cgi.ebay.com/4-ACE-120-277V-1-Lamp-55W-T5-CF-Ballast_W0QQitemZ140121198358QQihZ004QQcategoryZ66 915QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

and the ballast supposedly run T5s and CF. So, would any similar CF ballast run a T5 bulb?

[David Grigor]

It has programmed start and end of life protection so ballast seems legit and does mention 54/39W T5s with means it is High Output. Which would mean 36" or 48" T5s. If your wanting to put on a 30" tank, you need 24W T5 which these ballasts won't drive.

Only run 1 bulb per ballast though, shipping seems kinda high, and they look used.


No not all cf ballast will necessarily run T5s. May light them but not necessarily at high output. Only way to be sure it to look for the ansi code 24WT5HO ( 24" ), 39Wt5HO ( 36") or 54wt5ho ( 48" ) on the ballast or the spec. Some CF fixture do have workhorse ballasts in them and in that case you can use for T5s.

[spsick]

I've used them to fire VHO's before, and couldnt notice any output difference, but I'm just joe blow, I dont have any info to back it up.

[David Grigor]

Your eyes may not be a good judge of full power or not. I know for sure CF will actual fire up and light a VHO bulb but likely not at full power unless the ballast specifically says it will with based on the ansi codes. Some electronics are pretty versatile so it is certainly possible.

[spsick]

I dont think I would chance it for a permanent setup though, especially when you can get specific t5 ballast for the same price.

[wes]

36" or 48" T5s. If your wanting to put on a 30" tank, you need 24W T5 which these ballasts won't drive.


I also have a 40 I'm thinking of converting to T5... :tongue: but that probably won't happen for a while.