PC to T-5 Question

[beano1]

I have a PC fixture. and like all PC lights, mine have lost there intensity and are causing lots of algae.

What i want to do is take out the PC bulbs (which ive already done) and put in some T-5. would this be possible, or even safe? The prongs on the bulbs look alike, but i want to be sure. I really like my fixture, and dont want to have to buy a new one.

 

[Sadielynn]

I would say no . You could retro but I would not try to fit a round peg to a square hole so to speak . I am not an electrician but you could be setting yourself up for a a very serious situation , such as fire or shorting out and causing an electrocution situation . Not worth it in my opinion , it is cheeper and safer to either retro or by a diffrent unit made for T5s

 

[lando]

I would just replace the CF bulbs with new CF bulbs...especially if you are happy with your fixture.

 

[cmor1701d]

The easiest thing to do is just the replace the PC bulbs every 7 - 9 months. You could dump the PC fixture and buy a new T5 fixture (correct reflector, ballast, holders, etc.), or buy a MH/T5 combo fixture so you don't have to this again in a year.

 

[Devilishturtles]

I agree. You cannot put a T5 bulb into a PC fixture. If you like the PC's, just keep them and buy new bulbs, else you need to buy an entirely new fixture.

 

[squawkbert]

^ or you could double check with your vendor and see if all you need is a new set of endcaps to go w/ T-5 bulbs. There's a more than fair chance that your PC ballast would work w/ some combination of T-5 bulbs, but things won't go well unless you use the right bulbs & endcaps.

 

[melosu58]

I definitely think you should not do it either. If the bulbs are causing the algea then just change to PC bulbs.