Lighting expert needed....

[Davonat]

Whats the differance between shunted and regular flouresent bulb posts? I know you need shunted for Instant start ballasts and unshunted for progamed start ballasts. And can someone tell me the differances between the 2 start systems? I am currently looking for less expensive options for my T5 Retro fit project. I have found all the parts I need to swap out my T8 bulb to the HO T5. The expesive part was the HO ballast at 42 bucks. I found these cool posts you just slip over the old 1's which shortens the length by 2"s. and the T5 will go rite in. I have also found a HO ballast for around 14 bucks but its instant start and not sure if the posts will work... They are for programed start. I already bought the posts and the more expensive ballast. But im sure there will be LOTS of intrest in this when I post a retro fit thread next week when the parts get here. I think I can cut the cost down to under 25 bucks if I do more searching. This swap out will be very easy to do if you can use a screw driver and splice a couple wires! "STAY TUNED!"

 

[coldbloodedAL]

I am no expert but Todd from Lightyourreptiles would probably be able to give you an answer

 

[Davonat]

I am no expert but Todd from Lightyourreptiles would probably be able to give you an answer

I have already PM'd him about this project.... Although this particular question didnt come up. After I investigate this farther we may be able to pursuade Him into buying bulk and offering a DIY kit and lower the cost! It would vertually convert any T8 hood to T5 HO

 

[coldbloodedAL]

I have already PM'd him about this project.... Although this particular question didnt come up. After I investigate this farther we may be able to pursuade Him into buying bulk and offering a DIY kit and lower the cost! It would vertually convert any T8 hood to T5 HO

That would be nice, Im considering just ditching my T8s and going solely T5HO

 

[Davonat]

That would be nice, Im considering just ditching my T8s and going solely T5HO

When my parts get here in a day or 2 I will post links to the parts.....For about 25 bucks you will be able to convert ANY tube hood over to T5 HO If you can use a screw driver and splice 4 wires ..... to replace the old ballast ......your in T5 HO world!!!!!

 

[coldbloodedAL]

Ill be waiting for that thread!