DIY canopy for T5 lights--newbie questions

[otrlynn]

Please forgive the newbie questions. I am planning 4x39 watts T5 lighing over a 58 gallon tank. I know that I want individual reflectors over the bulbs. I am trying to decide whether to go w/ a self-contained unit that sits either directly on the glass tank or on legs vs. a retrofit kit in a yet to be built wooden canopy. In most wooden canopies, are the lights mounted to a hinged wooden lid? Does the fact that the lights are probably 4-6 inches above the water level reduce the efficency of the lighting? Is a glass lid generally used with a wooden canopy to reduce the amount of evaporation/condensation that would accumulate inside the lid? Lastly do most T5 retrofit kits come with detailed wiring instructions. My husband is a skilled carpenter and familiar and has done household wiring (and does read instructions!) Should he be okay w/wiring a retrofit kit? Thanks

[sasscuba]

I have aquactinics HO T-5's in my custom built canopy. They sit on a ledge 4.5 inches off the water inside canopy with vents on the ends to keep lights cool.

[otrlynn]

Nice design sasscuba. I did not think of mounting from the ends. I presume you purchased the lights prewired into what look like metal hoods? Is this the type of fixture that could also sit on a glass "canopy" or mounted on short brackets/leg over the tank? Do you have a glass canopy, egg crate or open tank?

[MSU Fan]

Sort of off topic, but you probably won't want to put glass lids on the tank. And with that, you will definitely need a way to suspend a fixture such as what sasscube used, or mount the system directly into a wooden canopy.

[otrlynn]

Actually, very much part of the question because I am uncertain about the need for the glass lid. LFS selling wood canopies (though I did not buy one) recommended the lid to cut down on condensation accumulating inside the canopy on an open tank. Also it reduces the need for top-offs somewhat and I am hauling RO/DI from the LFS. I do use one on my 29 gallon, with an intentional gap at the back of the tank for air, and don't believe that I have the build up of CO2 that I have read can be a problem w/ a glass lid. I'd welcome anyone else's input on that question! Also, can anyone respond to the question re the T5 retrofit kits--do they come with good wiring diagrams and instructions???

[mikeandjenn99]

As far as the glass tops go, I'd go without. That way you get a good gas exchange, and it will keep your temperature more stable. I had glass lids on mine for a while, and I had a lot of heat build up while the lights (pc) were on, and then it would swing down at night. So the evap. is a much easier thing to deal with than heat fluctuations. As far as the retro fit kits go, I'm not sure about what ones with them, but I'd almost bet that they have instructions as well as a wiring diagram. Even if they don't if you contact the manufacturer, they'd most likely send you one.