T5 Light Wattage Question

[tanyauk]

Hi! I want to ask everybody for help! can I use higher output T5 lights for luminaire which has 3 lights of 28W at the moment? I want to buy replacement lights, but they all 54W in the shops, will it damage luminaire? I posted this topic before, but nobody replied, thank you

 

[loughran1979]

It's quite simple - your Luminaire was made for 28W Tubes. Putting 54W Tubes into a power unit designed for 28W Tubes can only lead to problems. I somehow seem to think they might of mentioned something like this on the instruction booklet that came with the Luminair.

 

[tanyauk]

Thank you for your reply! There was no instructions... and the problem is I acan't find the 28W lights that size (120CM).. shall I try anyway and see what happens?

 

[BINKSY]

Hi,
are your original lamps t5 or t8 im guessing they are, the t5 lamps wont fit anyway, as ther are much thinner, also the ballast wont cope with the exta load (more wattage)

 

[tanyauk]

Origianals are T5 lights. Thank you

 

[raptorrex]

Origianals are T5 lights. Thank you

answer is no. if you upgrade the light wattage you will need new ballast. so need to dump your current setup! are they compact/power t5 or standard?

 

[tanyauk]

looks like I've wasted my money! Here is the link on ebay, Overtank luminaire T5
What kind of overtank luminaire will be the best? I am planning to grow plant, and I think 3 t5 lights with 28W is not enough.. My tank is 48in long and 18in deep.
Thank you for all your replies!

 

[raptorrex]

looks like I've wasted my money! Here is the link on ebay, Overtank luminaire T5
What kind of overtank luminaire will be the best? I am planning to grow plant, and I think 3 t5 lights with 28W is not enough.. My tank is 48in long and 18in deep.
Thank you for all your replies!

this may give you some ideas.
http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue/lighting.asp