PC to T5 Conversion

[tdgates10]

So, I have the Coralife 72 Inch Aqualight Pro, 3x150W HQI MH Lamp + 4x96W PC fixture. I just swapped out the bulbs, which turned out to be quite a hastle, and man were they expensive!

My question is next time around when I have to get new bulbs, I though about taking out the PC bulbs and retrofitting in some T5's. I've been looking and it seems that the only problems would be size, weather or not the bulbs would fit. Has anyone ever done this or think it's possible? or worth it?

 

[kgross]

I don't think it would be worth the work to be honest. You will have to change out the mounts, ballasts endcaps and reflectors to get it to work well.

Kim

 

[tdgates10]

I actually looked into everything already, and I can put in 4 36in T5 bulbs with ballasts, end caps, and reflectors for only a little more than what I just paid to replace my pc bulbs! It's actually pretty easy! If I don't do that, I'm going to build a hood and mount T5's inside of the hood and keep the light I have. Either way, next time I have to change bulbs, I'm switching to T5's with hallides! No more pc!!

 

[young_skywalker]

yeah it actually works out pretty nicely. I got a retro-fit kit for my dad's halide pc combo fixture and it worked nicely

 

[burning2nd]

i think all that is required would be a diffrent ballast, so if you would take the fixture apart and replace the ballast that powers the pc's, and the ends. so that it fits... you can do it.