Is this possible?

jarrod13 · 08/05/2011, 03:26 PM

I have a 30" t5 fixture with 8x24w bulbs, which are 24". The bulbs are staggered to make it even. I'm going to be placing this fixture on a 24" tank now so what I'm thinking is making all the bulbs, wires, and ballasts fit in a 24" section, probably all to one side, the cutting off the remaining part of the fixture. What do you think?

TheFishTeen · 08/05/2011, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarrod13

I have a 30" t5 fixture with 8x24w bulbs, which are 24". The bulbs are staggered to make it even. I'm going to be placing this fixture on a 24" tank now so what I'm thinking is making all the bulbs, wires, and ballasts fit in a 24" section, probably all to one side, the cutting off the remaining part of the fixture. What do you think?

Obviously it would void your warranty but you could remove the entire interior out of the fixture and do a 'retro-fit' inside a canopy. Just put the end caps and reflectors above the tank and buy some longer wiring. Extend all the end cap wiring (make sure you take note of how everything was wired) down under your tank and connect it to the ballast (electrical box that transforms the wiring to a wall outlet). There should also be an on/off switch. Make sure thats wired correctly. If you want to get really fancy you could buy some black acrylic and make a box to put the ballast and switch in. Now you have a retro fit T5 fixture with an external ballast!

You could also keep the old fixture housing incase you ever want to sell it or something.

jarrod13 · 08/05/2011, 06:37 PM

Good idea!! I kinda want to keep it open top though, guess I should have mentioned that. If I do end up with a canopy that'll def be the way I go though, thanks for the suggestion!

I have it hanging now and I love it and want to keep the same setup If possible. Me and my buddy made it with some fishing equipment, the line is braided wire so it's pretty strong

Here it Is stationary

These are the clasps I put a little over a foot above the fixture

Open the clasp and hook it through the loop at the fixture

I like it cause I can do it by myself, I just do one side at a time

And now I have plenty of room to work with the lights still on without taking it off

So I want to keep this style but I don't want it hang overhang on the new tank

jarrod13 · 08/06/2011, 05:29 PM

Bump

jarrod13 · 08/08/2011, 06:09 AM

Should I post this in the diy section?

jarrod13 · 08/09/2011, 06:11 AM

Nobody has any suggestions?

08/05/2011, 03:26 PM	#1
jarrod13 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: jacksonville florida Posts: 1,441	Is this possible? I have a 30" t5 fixture with 8x24w bulbs, which are 24". The bulbs are staggered to make it even. I'm going to be placing this fixture on a 24" tank now so what I'm thinking is making all the bulbs, wires, and ballasts fit in a 24" section, probably all to one side, the cutting off the remaining part of the fixture. What do you think?

08/05/2011, 06:37 PM	#3
jarrod13 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: jacksonville florida Posts: 1,441	Good idea!! I kinda want to keep it open top though, guess I should have mentioned that. If I do end up with a canopy that'll def be the way I go though, thanks for the suggestion! I have it hanging now and I love it and want to keep the same setup If possible. Me and my buddy made it with some fishing equipment, the line is braided wire so it's pretty strong Here it Is stationary These are the clasps I put a little over a foot above the fixture Open the clasp and hook it through the loop at the fixture I like it cause I can do it by myself, I just do one side at a time And now I have plenty of room to work with the lights still on without taking it off So I want to keep this style but I don't want it hang overhang on the new tank

08/06/2011, 05:29 PM	#4
jarrod13 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: jacksonville florida Posts: 1,441	Bump

08/08/2011, 06:09 AM	#5
jarrod13 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: jacksonville florida Posts: 1,441	Should I post this in the diy section?

08/09/2011, 06:11 AM	#6
jarrod13 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: jacksonville florida Posts: 1,441	Nobody has any suggestions?