New T5 ballasts

[Pntbll687]

So I have a coralife 4 bulb t5 fixture that has been on my 33 long for couple months. I bought it used, and the previous owner said they had never replaced the ballasts.

I transfered the tank recently, and now only one set of lights will come on. I power on the second set, they come one for a few seconds and then turn off. I'm guessing this is a bad ballast.

Can I replace the ballast with any ballast I want?

 

[Weasel1960]

Not a subject expert, but I know there are a ton of different types of ballasts out there. Hopefully someone one the site can tell you how to test it first. I will always try to find an exact match part for any replacement. It’s safer that way and less disappointing.

 

[Pntbll687]

Not a subject expert, but I know there are a ton of different types of ballasts out there. Hopefully someone one the site can tell you how to test it first. I will always try to find an exact match part for any replacement. It’s safer that way and less disappointing.

I was thinking of going with coralife if I can find em.

I know on my halides you can easily swap ballasts so I want sure about the t5

 

[nereefpat]

Can I replace the ballast with any ballast I want?

Sort of. The ballast and fixture don't really need to match. The bulbs and ballast have to match.

It sounds like you need a ballast for 2 48" T5 bulbs. Does that sound right? ATI and Workhorse are good ones. Something like this one: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/2x54w-t5-high-output-ballast-ati.html

 

[Weasel1960]

@nereefpat, thanks for clarifying.

 

[jda]

Workhorse
HEP
Phillips Advance

 

[Pntbll687]

Sort of. The ballast and fixture don't really need to match. The bulbs and ballast have to match.

It sounds like you need a ballast for 2 48" T5 bulbs. Does that sound right? ATI and Workhorse are good ones. Something like this one: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/2x54w-t5-high-output-ballast-ati.html

These are what I went with. I got two, I'm just going to replace both since I'll have the fixture apart

 

[Water Dog]

Just be sure to follow the wiring diagram for the ATI - HEP ballasts as they’re programmed start ballasts. Not positive, but I’m pretty sure the old Corallife T5 fixtures used pulse/rapid start ballasts (Workhorse) that are wired a bit differently.

 

[nereefpat]

Just be sure to follow the wiring diagram for the ATI - HEP ballasts as they’re programmed start ballasts. Not positive, but I’m pretty sure the old Corallife T5 fixtures used pulse/rapid start ballasts (Workhorse) that are wired a bit differently.

Yes, Good advice. Always follow the diagram on the ballast.