No those are still flourescent tubes. I am going to replace these last ones with LED bulbs as they die, or I may just switch to a legit LED fixture and stop using this one.
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My t5 bulbs are putting out 5k lumens. The highest lumen led output I can find puts out 3500 lumens. Am I missing something?
Yes. Lumens are not so relevant with plants, only people. Par is a better measure for plants. Just because we can see it, does not mean plants can use it.
I had to cut the ballast out and do some simple wire splicing. I’m not big on working with electricity, so if I can do it, I can talk you through it. Let me know buddy.
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Thanks man! I will let you know it will be end of summer. Gotta raise the budget a little bit lol. I priced 10 3500k led bulbs for 85 bucks
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Where at? That’s a good deal. I paid like 12 bucks a piece.
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I’m looking for it. I found this too. Sounds super bright to me.
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Here it is
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This is why I’m considering LED retrofits rather than LED bulbs. The EB-2 strips output 5k lumens at the same price as a bulb, but then you do have to replace the ballast.
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Why would you have to replace the ballast?
The LEDs I’m talking about need an external driver, just swap that out for the ballast.
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O ok. I see what your saying. Yeah now I’m really interested. Like a t5 overhaul
That’s what the Bridgleux strips the guys screw to sheet metal here are designed for, replacing old tubes and ballast but keep your fixtures. They were thinking more office and architectural, but I’m sure they take our money just as happily.
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I see what your saying. This is a great idea. I’m thinking putting a magnetic strip between each bulb and mounting the drivers on the top of the t5. I could also fabricate a couple wings to put on each side with the magnetic strips on the inside of those ad well. This stuff is pretty cheap too. Comes with drivers and everything. This is going to be my next project
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Full density on them.
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Some bulbs will work directly in the original T5 Ballast.
From memory, when I ordered my bulbs, they said they worked in X, Y, Z ballasts. Then I just pulled the reflector from my light to see what type ballast I had, and it was one that took a direct replacement.
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@Badger What is the advantage switching from T5’s to the LED’s, other than the reduction of heat? I am going in the opposite direction of everyone else!! Lol.
I had to throw in a 6 light T5 for veg because I had problems with a driver on my LED. Basement grow so added heat is no problem. I was impressed enough that I am thinking to add another T5 and just keep using them for veg. Running two tents I have the ability to veg up to 70 days, so slower growth is also ok.
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Alot of say the commercial led replacements for floros just need to have an electronic driver which most newer lights already have then you can run led tubes that are direct fit replacements, there are other types though that run off of mains power as they have internal drivers in each “tube” and need a rewire to run though they are not as common at your big box hardware stores even if more efficient, so far at least for now I unfortunately expect to see the direct replacements for the next while due to either the electronic drivers already being in place and the “led tube” cost to make them is lower if no driver is included, still not as efficient though and most new led light units are unfortunately one piece units instead of say a standardized replaceable light element.
Anyways floros grow great too, i use to use them just have moved on.
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So either way you do this your going to have to do a rewire?
No exactly, only if your driver’s/ballasts cant run the led bulb would you need a rewire whether mains direct or a new driver as well.
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