DIY LED/T5 question

[ksicard]

Hey all,
I'm setting up my new tank and I wanted to know if the 4 Ft LET Lighting Miro-4 T5 High Output Retrofit Kit that BRS sells will fit inside a standard canopy? It doesn't indicate in the description exactly how long the T5 kit is. I don't want to purchase it if it will not fit inside my canopy. I have a 4ft 150g with a standard on top canopy.

[Kyuss]

It's going to be slightly longer (maybe 2") than a 4ft T5HO bulb due to the endcaps.

[Dans85]

Usually the bulbs are about 2" shorter that what they are labeled. Bulbs for a 36" fixture are 34", 48" will be 46" ect.

[don_chuwish]

I saw another kit sold by AH Supply (apparently being discontinued tho) that specified 47.75" for the 48" kit. The BRS listing for the LET doesn't have that detail and I'd like to know too - so I've just asked the question on the product info page. It'll probably be answered on Monday.

[SoloGarth]

Sorry for the crappy pics.

This is what I did:

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/02/fd27dbfc5c015db83c48099e50a6fb2a.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/02/ee0443ad88188e486ebfd7156458fa85.jpg

Inside length of 48".

I used some cheap t5 plugs ($8) from Amazon, some reflectors I had and an Osram t5HO ballast ($30).

[don_chuwish]

Nice, I like the floating 'hood' - same approach I was thinking about. Just something to keep light bleed into the room down a bit and hide the T5 uglies.

[SoloGarth]

Nice, I like the floating 'hood' - same approach I was thinking about. Just something to keep light bleed into the room down a bit and hide the T5 uglies.


Yes exactly. It actually made a huge difference in how the tank appears as it also hides a direct view of the LEDs which is nice.

[Fishmas]

Any chance you could post a few more photos of your hood with room lights on?. I am in need of building one and would like to see some details of the one you made, if you would share it on this thread.

thanks

[SoloGarth]

Yes I will. Need to get some better pics. I have a thread I created for my stand I should ad that to.

[SoloGarth]

I actually got the initial plan from this from this blog:
http://blog.marinedepot.com/2014/05/my-diy-hood-for-t5-radion-led-lighting.html

Here is a link to the T5HO ballast I used:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004I3LSTM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

They make a 4x 54w version as well.

Here are the T5 sockets I used.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012Z02T7Y?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

The reflectors I have had for years and I am not exactly sure where they came from.

The hood is made (I believe) of 3.5" X .5" poplar boards from HD. Also two types of molding.

Inside dimensions are 48" X 16.5"

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1530/24155211065_3aa0d7e457_b.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1540/24072645931_d5825e9010_b.jpg

Those lights are dusty. . .

[Dans85]

I have thought about building a similar setup for my 45g build. My initial plan was to run a 165w wifi eBay fixture, but after watching the lighting videos by BRS I think I might use the led combined with one t5 on the front and one on the back and build a floating canopy similar to yours.

[SoloGarth]

My T5 are only on 45 min a day. I actually just use them for pics. Radions do a great job by themselves. I don't want to start another LED vs T5 debate but I'll just say you can br very successful with just LED. BRS is great but they are trying to sell stuff. Just saying . . .

[Dans85]

I have a tank that is LED only. I just like the idea of having a bit more flexibility, especially as the corals start to grow.

[SoloGarth]

I have a tank that is LED only. I just like the idea of having a bit more flexibility, especially as the corals start to grow.


Sure nothing wrong with that. My plan was the same. I just get really great color and growth with my Radions so I don't really run the t5s. They are much better for taking pictures though as the light scatters more.

[DDon]

Hey all,
I'm setting up my new tank and I wanted to know if the 4 Ft LET Lighting Miro-4 T5 High Output Retrofit Kit that BRS sells will fit inside a standard canopy? It doesn't indicate in the description exactly how long the T5 kit is. I don't want to purchase it if it will not fit inside my canopy. I have a 4ft 150g with a standard on top canopy.

Assembled length is 46 3/4" (give or take an 1/8")

[mrx66699]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/16/01/06/05491a9abef04169e02bd93186d5ac3f.jpg

You will be fine on the length. ...

[Fishmas]

What height from the water should i have the t5 bulbs. Setting up now and could be any height

[krshlln300]

You could even just set up a t5 retrofit and get the new Euroquatics LED tubes...