Converting PC 96w to T5's

[Carl]

I have two, double-96w PC lights w/ ballasts and all wiring. I got them from Marine Scene several years ago, and have been very happy with them.

 

 

 

Now, I'd like to convert them to T5's.

 

 

 

Has anyone done this? and if you have, can you point me in the right direction?

 

 

 

The 46.5 inch T5's would easily fit in the my 49 inch hood.

 

 

 

-Carl

[Guest beatle]

I did the same thing when I converted by 2x96w PCs for a 4x54w T5HO setup. I got the Tek retrofit from Reefgeek.com and upgraded the reflectors to IceCap. I'll probably replace the ballast with an IceCap 660 and add fans, but that'll be later on.

[Carl]

Matt - so it's possible to to run 2x54w bulbs from a 96w ballast?

 

 

 

-Carl

[Guest beatle]

Oh that I have no idea about... I thought I'd read something about T5 on a PC ballast on RC, but I can't find the thread. I think the last post was about the startup current needed to fire a T5 was higher and that it was a recipe for fire, but I think that would depend on the ballast being used.

[Wasga]

I have done that with my JBJ ballast. I had a dual 96w pc ballast which I turned into a 4 x 39w setup. I wouldnt run 2 x 54w. The ballast may not be able to power the 104w of t5 bulbs. It will easily light 39w bulbs though, actually it will overdrive them.