t5HO bulbs in a T5NO fixture question

[Diztrbd1]

If there is a thread about this I cannot find it but just wondering about the use of T5HO bulbs in a T5NO fixture....

1) are the ballast the same or am I correct in that the NO ballast puts out less wattage than the HO?

2) Like 1/2 the wattage of an HO Ballast since the NO bulbs wattage is half that of the HO bulb at the same length?

3) If you use HO bulbs in a NO fixture, will it shorten the life of the NO ballast as there is more power consumption?

4) If using HO bulbs in a NO fixture are you actually getting any kind of an HO effect? Or is the rated wattage going to be less therefore giving you less WPG?

[er201]

I'm sure I've read somewhere that the ballast is what over drives the bulb. The bulbs are the same, and that the ballast is just what makes it high output.

[Diztrbd1]

doing some research earlier ,I read somewhere that they are different. Except it was about NO bulbs in a HO fixture and it was said you will drastically shorten the life of the NO bulb using it in an HO fixture , that's why I figured I'd post the question....got me wondering lol

[er201]

That does raise some questions, I'm not exactly sure these lights work but if I remember correctly, it had something to do with Ice cap ballast and the heat. Could be wrong though. Would love to see some answers also.

[Diztrbd1]

Thought it would make for a good topic lol and save me from searching all night

[charles]

you will shorten the life of your T5NO ballast driving a HOT5 bulb.

[hdrob]

I did a bunch of reading a while ago on this too. I seem to remember that if you put HO bulbs in a NO fixture, you will only get the output of what a NO bulb would put out. I don't remember reading about shortened life span of the bulb. I guess I should try it as I have a NO fixture but can only find HO bulbs.

[2wheelsx2]

I'm using HOT5 bulbs in my T5NO Coralife fixture right now. Have been working fine on my 24" Coralife for about 6 months now. I have heard some have experienced burned out ballasts on the biggest rigs (48"), but I don't have one, so have no direct experience.

[Rastapus]

A few manufacturers have already discontinued their NO line of bulbs due to the fact that they will fire in a HO fixture. I doubt it will be long before all companies go this way. I have not heard any evidence that it will shorten the lifes pan of the bulb.

[Diztrbd1]

Thanks Charles

Rob, that makes sense & thats one reason I posted this & I seen a NO fixture in the classifieds w/HO bulbs. I know I have done the same and know alot of members probably have NO fixtures they can only find HO bulbs for. I think you are correct that a HO bulb will only put out what the NO would with a NO ballast. But it also seems the NO ballast would be getting overworked trying to supply the proper power for the HO bulb ,therefore shortening the life of the NO ballast.
If it were a NO bulb in a HO fixture, I read that would shorten the life of the NO bulb as the HO ballast puts out more power

Gary, It was a 48" fixture I had in mind, but figured it would probably be the same for all sizes. It kind of makes sense that the bigger fixture would be more capable of having problems doing this, if it is a problem. Tanks for the input

Grant, Thanks for the input but what about using HO bulbs in a NO fixture? I was more wondering if this will shorten the life of the NO ballast? Or if it makes a difference at all?