New T5 VHO retrofit and Canopy installation

[Dano999]

T5 VHO RETROFIT LIGHT AND CANOPY INSTALLATION

The main project for today was to install lights on the canopy. I purchased the 48" 6x54W SLR T5 Very High-Output Retrofit Kit w/ Bulbs. Not quite sure how this was going to go since I haven't seen any detailed installation threads. I tried to capture most of the progress.

Tools needed not included with kit

Flat head screw driver
Phillips Screw driver
Wiring stripper and cutters
Scratch Awl
electrical tape
16 - 9 X 3/4" wood screws
24 - 8 X 1" wood screws
12 - 8 X 5/8' wood screws
12 - 1/2 " cable clamps
10' of 3/8" Split wire loom tubing
optional moon lights

First thing was to see what was included. Everything seemed to be there including the candy that comes with each order from Reef Geek.



This one had tootsie rolls. I guess this is to keep up your energy since this project lasted most of the day. A six pack would have done just as well.



At his point I went to ACE hardware and picked up the non included items listed above. I also stopped off for a six pack for when the job was done.

The first thing to do is remove the coating from the reflectors.



Next install lamp clips. I slightly adjusted the metal flaps so the opening was just big enough to allow the screw to screw into the hole. Then attach the nut and tighten down. This made sure the final product was flat and even.



Next I placed the end caps with the bulbs in the canopy to see how it would fit. After aligning all the main canopy end caps I marked each position with an scratch awl through the screw holes.

Make the ends slightly less than 47" apart (not the holes). 47" will barely make connections when installing the bulbs.

Also the end caps connect to the standoffs with either the short end or long end pointing out away from the bulbs. I chose the short end because I was limited to 47".





Next I installed Moon Lights. I used the Current USA Lunar Light: Nocturnal Blue Moon Light and Lunar links. I forgot the main light when I placed my order and only received the links as in the picture. When the Main Lunar light comes next week I will then add it to the canopy.



to be continued

[Dano999]

T5 VHO RETROFIT LIGHT AND CANOPY INSTALLATION continued

Next I wired up each end cap for the main canopy and the lid. Only thing to look out for is to pay close attention to the wiring diagram and cut your wire to the right lengths. Remember to give some room for the lid when the canopy opens.

I put the two bulbs from 430 ballast on the front and back. These will be used for Dawn and Dusk. The middle four are installed on the 660 ballast which will be used for mid day.





I then installed the ballasts to the rear of the canopy. If you have one of these canopies be careful of the center support as it's breaks easily. I used a 5/8" wood screw to fix the area that weakened but it probably won't last. I am doubtful the support is really needed.



After completing the wiring I used the loom tubing and cable clamps to secure the wiring. Anyone else would have probably tested before they did this.





I finished the remaining wires with some electrical tape.



Next I installed the bulbs, reflectors and end caps. Making sure the bulbs were seated properly. Hold the bulbs as you screw on the end cap to make sure it does not turn.

The bulbs used are as follows:

Front
UVL Super Actinic
ATI Aquablue
UVL Aquasun
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus




At this point I was ready to test so I plugged in the 430 ballast first and YES LIGHTS. I then plugged in the 660 ballast and "CRAP" the ballast shut down immediately. OK so this is where I said anyone else would of tested first.

Now came some trouble shooting. Since I checked the wiring twice before I finished I was thinking it was a defective bulb. When observing the bulbs as soon as I plugged in the ballast I noticed all but one bulb would not come on before shutting down. I just so happened to have a spare bulb although not right one for the one I replaced. I replaced the bulb and tested again. and "LIGHTS".



to be continued

[Dano999]

T5 VHO RETROFIT LIGHT AND CANOPY INSTALLATION continued

Amazingly I was still able to lift the canopy by myself and place it on the tank.



Finally finished and now it's time for a beer or three.

Total time for this project was six hours including the trip to ACE hardware and a quick lunch.



Next project FANS!!!

[bristle]

Nice documentation. I would like to see more of the wiring, as that is probably what most people like me are tentative about.

[b16drag]

Nice DIY documentations.

Fans shall be your next quest. Glacialtech SilentBlade II are pretty good for the price about $4.99 each and about $6-7 dollars after shipping from microbarn.com I got 4 and just ghettorigged it together. They are about 18db and flow about 26 CFM. Quiet and works relatively well. My max temperature is about 81 (NO CHILLER) when room temp is 80. You can get a radioshack powersupply 12v with 1000 mAMPs with variable voltage for $20.

Just a suggestion.

http://www.microbarn.com/details.aspx?rid=101951

[Dano999]

Originally posted by bristle
Nice documentation. I would like to see more of the wiring, as that is probably what most people like me are tentative about.

The only other shots I have are the ones below. I will say it is best if you have some experience with with wiring as the directions are limited.

To connect the wires to the end caps you just strip the end 1/4" and push it into the opening. Pull with light pressure to make sure it is connected.

Be sure to follow the wiring diagram that comes with the ballasts carefully. The power wires match up from the ballast to the included power cord green, black and white. Wire nuts are included.

[Rewd]

Looks great, what style stand/canopy is that?

[Dano999]

It's an Oceanic stand and canopy that is designed for their 90 gal tank. The finish is Cherry Oak.

[Rewd]

The canopy looks like it would be optimal height to mount halides in there. Seems like most pre-built canopies are way too close to the water for that.

[Dano999]

Here are the dimensions. I felt it was too close.

[Rewd]

do you have the actual name of the style? looks almost like AGA's mission series

[Dano999]

Sorry No I don't. It was sold with the Oceanic tank so I assume it's Oceanic.

[stemonia]

I'm about to put this exact same retro kit in my canopy. Can you tell me how long the bulbs are with the end caps installed? The inside width of my canopy is exactly 49" and I'm trying to determine how much room I will have on each side after the bulbs and encaps are put together.

Thanks!

[Dano999]

The width is 46 7/8". I was limited to 47" due to the supports and it barely fit.