My weekend project

[einsteins]

Well I decided to get rid of my old Custom Sea life lighting hood and replace it with some new toys.

Here is the old hhod after I removed it:

http://www.einsweb.com/newlights/old_hood1.jpg


Here is what I replaced it with....

http://www.einsweb.com/newlights/reflect1.jpg
http://www.einsweb.com/newlights/reflect2.jpg
http://www.einsweb.com/newlights/reflect3.jpg
http://www.einsweb.com/newlights/reflect4.jpg
http://www.einsweb.com/newlights/reflect5.jpg
http://www.einsweb.com/newlights/reflect6.jpg
http://www.einsweb.com/newlights/reflect7.jpg


All I can say is ....it is amazing what a difference those reflectors make. Those are 20k 400w xm bulbs.

The reflectors are the Lumen Bright Mini's

Now I need to find a way to get some t-5 actinics mounted in there somehow, any suggestions

I thought maybe on the back wall pointing at the water a an angle, but that may not cover the whole tank.
need to think on this one.

Thanks for looking!
einsteins

[mg426]

Quite the upgrade indeed, Nice work !!

[tgunn]

In my canopy I've mounted my T5s as follows:
http://www.egunn.com/gallery2/d/7627-1/IMG_1580.JPG

I installed a 45 degree rail along the back of the canopy (so that they don't shadow the halides) and I just aimed the reflectors accordingly.
The ones at the front of the canopy are mounted on a similar rail that is suspended by chains.

I'm sure something similar would work for you..

The light is definitely not as bright as when I had them mounted right along the top of the tank, but for supplementation it works great.

Tyler

[einsteins]

I want to mount the 2bulb t-5 fixture like you have it but on only one side as the other side is the way I access the tank.

I need to find a nice fixture to work well and allow me to mount it at an angle.

Thanks
eins

[tgunn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10976453#post10976453 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by einsteins
I want to mount the 2bulb t-5 fixture like you have it but on only one side as the other side is the way I access the tank.

I need to find a nice fixture to work well and allow me to mount it at an angle.

Thanks
eins

I just cut some 2x2 scraps to mount standard T5 endcaps/standoffs. I used a sunlight supply T5 retrofit kit.

The front mount would work too provided you hang the lights from chains so you can raise them out of the way for accessing the tank.

Tyler

[einsteins]

Does the Sunlight t-5 retro plug into an Icecap 430 Ballast?

einsteins

[dc_909]

What are those LEDs you are using and whee did you get them? Do hey work well?

[einsteins]

They are awsome....
Completely water tight ( I have dropped them in the tank many times...lol)
They even work well at the hight you see there.

I got them at Oreilly Auto Parts. They are LED's for attaching to a cars windshield wipers.

Cost was like 9 or 12 dollars.

Just take an old 12 volt transformer and wire them up...took all of 5 minutes.

They put a perfect blue hue over the whole tank with enough light to just barely make ripples show from the water movement.

they even have a nice little clamp on them.

Good luck

einsteins

[tgunn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10980524#post10980524 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by einsteins
Does the Sunlight t-5 retro plug into an Icecap 430 Ballast?

einsteins

Check out a website like ReefGeek.com for more info on the different T5 endcaps and reflectors..

If you've already for the ballast, then endcaps, standoffs and reflectors should be all you need.

If you need more info on what the Icecap 430 can support, I'd just post in the ICecap forum; the guys there seem very helpful.

Tyler

[timrandlerv10]

i got the led's. great :) and easy :D


have you thought of putting something over the backs of those walls? that plasticy-wall-stuff for bathrooms...its sold in big sheets @ HD, lowes, etc. sort of textured stuff.

dont want wet drywall...ask me how i know...

:(

[kdblove_99]

Might have to try those LEDS