can i run low wattage t5 with a workhorse 7?

7808 · 01/29/2009, 11:44 AM

i plan to upgrade later and will need more light, but id like to buy a bigger ballast then i probly need now, can i run only 2x 24w t5 bulbs with a workhorse 7 ? or will it overdrive them in a bad way or somthing?

7808 · 01/29/2009, 01:13 PM

or does anyone have a link to a wiring diagram ? cant seem to find one online

Masoch · 01/29/2009, 03:53 PM

Click me!

7808 · 01/29/2009, 08:11 PM

thanks, i did find those, but i was hoping to find somthing more like this

http://www.captivereefing.com/showthread.php?t=2371

im still wondering if its ok to run only 2x 24w T5 bulbs, if its a only draws what i needs type thing, or if its like a audio amplifier, where it pushes maximum power per channel to the speaker (or bulb to the ballast) weather it can take it or not. this is where im confused still...

Masoch · 01/29/2009, 08:29 PM

It's all there -- choose "T5 Linear HO", "2xF24 HO", "120 volts", hit "Find", and then choose your ballast. It'll spit out diagram 9 for you.

7808 · 01/29/2009, 08:41 PM

oh, thanks

looks like they dont have a diagram for 24w T5s for the WH7

Masoch · 01/29/2009, 08:50 PM

D'oh!

You're right, my bad, nothing for the 7.

Which would lead me to suspect that the 7 would fire the lamps way outta' spec.

7808 · 01/29/2009, 11:36 PM

guess ill just buy 54w bulbs.. even though i think it will be overkill for my 20g, maybe ill just get one 50/50 ? if they make those in a t5 54w 24"

Guygettnby · 01/30/2009, 07:06 AM

check out www.reefgeek.com for the bulbs. they have a great selection and there customer service is next to none.

also check out the T5 thread here in the lighting section for some more info on bulbs choices. the grim reefer is very knowledgable about T5 lights and could help you help with getting the best bulb combo for your tank.

01/29/2009, 11:44 AM	#1
7808 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: a/s/l Posts: 230	can i run low wattage t5 with a workhorse 7? i plan to upgrade later and will need more light, but id like to buy a bigger ballast then i probly need now, can i run only 2x 24w t5 bulbs with a workhorse 7 ? or will it overdrive them in a bad way or somthing?

01/29/2009, 01:13 PM	#2
7808 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: a/s/l Posts: 230	or does anyone have a link to a wiring diagram ? cant seem to find one online

01/29/2009, 03:53 PM	#3
Masoch Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Toronto Posts: 549	Click me!

01/29/2009, 08:11 PM	#4
7808 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: a/s/l Posts: 230	thanks, i did find those, but i was hoping to find somthing more like this http://www.captivereefing.com/showthread.php?t=2371 im still wondering if its ok to run only 2x 24w T5 bulbs, if its a only draws what i needs type thing, or if its like a audio amplifier, where it pushes maximum power per channel to the speaker (or bulb to the ballast) weather it can take it or not. this is where im confused still...

01/29/2009, 08:29 PM	#5
Masoch Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Toronto Posts: 549	It's all there -- choose "T5 Linear HO", "2xF24 HO", "120 volts", hit "Find", and then choose your ballast. It'll spit out diagram 9 for you.

01/29/2009, 08:41 PM	#6
7808 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: a/s/l Posts: 230	oh, thanks looks like they dont have a diagram for 24w T5s for the WH7

01/29/2009, 08:50 PM	#7
Masoch Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Toronto Posts: 549	D'oh! You're right, my bad, nothing for the 7. Which would lead me to suspect that the 7 would fire the lamps way outta' spec.

01/29/2009, 11:36 PM	#8
7808 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: a/s/l Posts: 230	guess ill just buy 54w bulbs.. even though i think it will be overkill for my 20g, maybe ill just get one 50/50 ? if they make those in a t5 54w 24"

01/30/2009, 07:06 AM	#9
Guygettnby Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: FL Posts: 3,050	check out www.reefgeek.com for the bulbs. they have a great selection and there customer service is next to none. also check out the T5 thread here in the lighting section for some more info on bulbs choices. the grim reefer is very knowledgable about T5 lights and could help you help with getting the best bulb combo for your tank.