DIY Hanging T5 Fixture?

Mr. Right · 10/06/2009, 11:51 AM

I was wondering what people here thought about constructing your own hanging T5 fixture; I wanted to buy a 4x39watt or possibly 6x24 (and stagger the bulbs) and simply build a rectangle aluminum frame and mounting the bulbs/ballast to it. It would just be a frame hanging from supplies sold at HD; and it wouldn't be enclosed, so no need for fans right? Do you guys think it would be worth it or should I just buy a fixture? The price difference would be like 30-40 bucks. Do you guys think would I get higher output considering it would breathe better than the Tek Light I've been looking at?

ackee · 10/06/2009, 01:32 PM

My fowlr 220 has a do it yourself t5 light box suspended above it. It's made of three sections of 1/4 inch plywood, thirteen inches across, two and a half inches deep and seventy inches long. It is open at both ends, with variable speed Ice Cap fans. In it are two 80 watt Aquablue bulbs run by an Icecap 660, and one 48 inch Fiji Purple, run by its own smaller H.O. ballast. Each bulb has its own reflector. The relectors are spaced about 1/2 inch apart. The Fiji Purple is on 45 minutes longer both AM and PM, for dawn/dusk simulation. There is also a thin 36 inch blue LED strip on the back edge, giving a slight moonlight effect for 2 hours after all the T5s are out. Everything is on timers, and located away from and above the light box. The overall effect, efficiency, safety and economy compare favorably, I think, with anything made commercially.

lordofthereef · 10/06/2009, 01:56 PM

I would still use fans just to keep air moving over the bulbs themselves... will increase the lifespan of your bulbs.

10/06/2009, 11:51 AM	#1
Mr. Right Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Here Posts: 521	DIY Hanging T5 Fixture? I was wondering what people here thought about constructing your own hanging T5 fixture; I wanted to buy a 4x39watt or possibly 6x24 (and stagger the bulbs) and simply build a rectangle aluminum frame and mounting the bulbs/ballast to it. It would just be a frame hanging from supplies sold at HD; and it wouldn't be enclosed, so no need for fans right? Do you guys think it would be worth it or should I just buy a fixture? The price difference would be like 30-40 bucks. Do you guys think would I get higher output considering it would breathe better than the Tek Light I've been looking at? __________________ He who knows does not speak, He who speaks does not know Current Tank Info: Old tanks: 37gal mixed, 57 gal mixed, 120 sps. Current tank 18”x18”x18” rimless in the works. Last edited by Mr. Right; 10/06/2009 at 11:52 AM. Reason: Woops

10/06/2009, 01:32 PM	#2
ackee Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 421	Dir My fowlr 220 has a do it yourself t5 light box suspended above it. It's made of three sections of 1/4 inch plywood, thirteen inches across, two and a half inches deep and seventy inches long. It is open at both ends, with variable speed Ice Cap fans. In it are two 80 watt Aquablue bulbs run by an Icecap 660, and one 48 inch Fiji Purple, run by its own smaller H.O. ballast. Each bulb has its own reflector. The relectors are spaced about 1/2 inch apart. The Fiji Purple is on 45 minutes longer both AM and PM, for dawn/dusk simulation. There is also a thin 36 inch blue LED strip on the back edge, giving a slight moonlight effect for 2 hours after all the T5s are out. Everything is on timers, and located away from and above the light box. The overall effect, efficiency, safety and economy compare favorably, I think, with anything made commercially.

10/06/2009, 01:56 PM	#3
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	I would still use fans just to keep air moving over the bulbs themselves... will increase the lifespan of your bulbs.