T8 ballasts to run T5 bulbs?

[Airwalk1616]

Hey guys. I recently bought a lot of 5 - 2lamp X 36W T8 ballasts.
I'm now beginning to realize that I'd much rather use T5 bulbs.

So I've done a bit of searching here and there, but can't find the answers I need. Basically I've found that the instant start would lower the life of the bulb but these would only turn on once a day. But also, as long as wattage is correct, it's possible.
So t5HO bulbs are 54 watts.
How could I use one ballasts 2 outputs and another ballast using one, to get 108w to split amongst 2 t5 bulbs? Or even using 3 whole ballasts for 4?
I'm just a bit lost on how it'd be wired and done right to work. So I thought I'd bring it to the expert big brain group ova here!
I'd appreciate any feedback, guys. Thanks a million!

[james_s]

You can't, just don't. Fluorescent lamps and ballasts must be matched, tubes of different types run at different currents, the cathodes are different, the voltage drop across the tube is different, they have different characteristics and that's why specific ballasts are sold. If you have T8 ballasts use T8 tubes, there is no advantage of T5 tubes without the special ballasts to drive them.

[Zero999]

Yes, you need to change the ballasts to ones which is designed for T5. See if the seller accepts returns. If not, sell them and buy the correct ballasts.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T5_retrofit_conversion

A ballast puts out a certain current and voltage. As a general rule, thinner tubes require a lower current, but higher voltage for the same tube length. It might work with a T8 ballast, but it won't be efficient and could shorten the life of the tube.