Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dan on August 7, 2011 at 10:52pm

Nope, you need a t5HO fixture for HO bulbs, and a NO fixture for NO bulbs

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Permalink Reply by Pedro Pedro on August 8, 2011 at 11:19am

ok so I assume that applies to the lampholders like

 

http://www.elightbulbs.com/General-00005-PENTRON-T5-LAMPHOLDER-Sock...

 

as well

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Permalink Reply by 2apes2gp667wr on August 8, 2011 at 1:10pm

The lampholder is fine, it's just that you will need a ballast capable of running T5HO.  A regular T5NO ballast will not power up a HO bulb properly.

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Permalink Reply by Pedro Pedro on August 8, 2011 at 1:27pm

Alright awesome that makes sense

 

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Permalink Reply by Hmoobthor on August 8, 2011 at 2:41pm

you also gotta be electrician mined or you're burn down the house..

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Permalink Reply by PaducahFishFan on August 8, 2011 at 2:49pm

I would not go down that path.  The cost is trivial and if it doesn't work it cost you a lot of time.  The important part is the ballast.  Here is a video I posted that might help you out.

 

http://fishtanktv.com/video/planted-tank-do-it-yourself-t5ho-lights

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Permalink Reply by Pedro Pedro on August 8, 2011 at 3:47pm

KK i found a cheap enough light fixture anyways.  I imagine it could be too dangerous to do DIY.

http://www.aquariumguys.com/zoo-med-aquasun-t5-ho-double-light-line...

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Permalink Reply by 2apes2gp667wr on August 8, 2011 at 4:36pm

Can you tell me why this wouldn't work? A T5HO or NO is a rapid start light. The ballast gives a continuous current that runs through the pins to the lamp. The endcaps are merely a conduit for the current to run. The problem would be with an incorrect ballast for the fixture not encaps. If you know otherwise please let me know.

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Permalink Reply by Pedro Pedro on August 8, 2011 at 7:11pm

Yes, I just havn't really worked with flourescent lights before so thats why I was asking.  What you say does make sense.  I think Ill just buy a fixture though so I dont end up putting myself in danger.

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