Getting ready to build T5 light (pics!!)

[mac77]

I am getting ready to build a T5 lighting system using an Icecap 660 ballast, endcaps, standoffs, individual parabolic relectors and going to try to use my original hood. I have a 55g set up. I will be using a 4 bulb setup. I have included pics of my tank and hood for everyones opinion. Should I attach the endcaps directly to the inside of the wooden canopy and place them over the water about 2-3 inches?...or should I build something to go on top of the hood which will leave the lights about 6 inches off the surface of the water? If I build them in the hood...I will have to lift the hood off everytime I want to do any kind of maintenance since I do not have a sump system. Any suggestions? If you guys could give me links or pics or drawings to go by, I would be much appreciative.

Thanks a bunch!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31475768@N06/3003203404/" title="New reef tank 017 by nolev77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2373/3003203404_3575ac375f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="New reef tank 017" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31475768@N06/3003204868/" title="New reef tank 020 by nolev77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/3003204868_560849d5c0_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="New reef tank 020" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/31475768@N06/3003204392/" title="New reef tank 019 by nolev77, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/3003204392_cdf249fd71_b.jpg" width="1024" height="681" alt="New reef tank 019" /></a>

[will16]

I would try to build something to fit on top that can slide out of the way. Would be a real pain to have to remove the canopy everytime you wanted to do something in the tank.

I made my own canopy and have the lights mounted on a tray that is on drawer slides. This way I can easily slide it back to get access. maybe try to figure out how you can do that on yours?

http://www.pbase.com/willgtp/image/97340510.jpg

Click on my red house above to see my build thread if you want more info.

Good luck
Will

[avaneaton2000]

Good Internal drawer slides are imperative to ease of maintenance, my tek is hanging on adjustable chains from the slides. Also try to include some bulb cooling with fans, that is the one thing I am changing from my initial design. I did not account for the heat and what a little bit of cooling would do for the lights.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i71/avaneaton2000/Reef%20tank/CIMG1242.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i71/avaneaton2000/Reef%20tank/CIMG1245.jpg

For ease of access I hinged the "hood" area in the middle

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i71/avaneaton2000/CIMG1154.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i71/avaneaton2000/Reef%20tank/CIMG1241.jpg

[silverwolf72]

Very nice job

[avaneaton2000]

Thanks