DIY T5 System?

[rickrutland]

Has anyone tried to build their own T5 lighting system/hood?

Thanks

[Gseclipse02]

yes its not hard at all ... if you have ?'s just post

[Jamie]

There's not much to the retro kits...really basic wiring. So long as you can join two wires with a wire nut, you'll be good to go. Mounting may require some thought. You'll want it close enough to the water to be effective, but not too close that it'll get wet. Also, cooling options should be given consideration as well. Place fans so that they blow over the T5 end caps for maximum bulb life and PAR. I'd be happy to answer any specific questions. I set up my 60" TEK2 retro kit last year with work horse ballasts. I am changing out my bulbs, upgrading to IceCap ballasts, and switching to Aquaillumination reflectors next week (already purchased...just need to set-up)...so I'll have all of my DIY stuff fresh in my head.

R, Jamie

[tebstan]

Point the fans at the caps? Is that just for PAR efficiency, or will it help with the heat problem as well? My temp dropped from 86 to 81-82 when I added fans pointed at the bulbs, at odd angles. Will aiming at the caps work better?

[Rychek]

Pointing the fan at the caps is mostly for PAR output and bulb life. Any air movement should help with heat, but pointing at the caps probably won't help as much as pointing down the length of the bulb. One thing to keep in mind though: some bulbs (ATI's for instance <according to Grim Refer>) have their PAR drop when you cool the bulb instead of the endcap. However, if you put some sort of vent in the top of the canopy, cooling the endcaps should be sufficient all around.