Building a T5 light question

[Nathan2585]

So I am trying to build a t5 light system does anyone have any plans for some they have done or how they did it? I was thinking of buying some regular T5 fixtures but don't you need to change the ballasts for the type of lights you would use on a aquarium? Did anyone build a custom set and have pics or how they did it? Also around how much did it cost? Just seeing if it would be cheaper than buying them! Thanks!

 

[Reefing Madness]

Are you talking about building a T5 HO unit? Or just the normal T5 output? Im guessing that for a reef tank your going with the T5 HO lights, then yes, if you were to just go out and buy a T5 fixture, you would need to replace the ballast with a HO ballast.
DIY t5 HO aquarium light Part 1 - YouTube


48'' T5 Aquarium Light Hood 216W LED Marine Coral Reef Cichlid | eBay
48" 216W T5 HO Aquarium Light Hood 4x54 Fluorescent Actinic Lamp LCD Timer Reef | eBay

T5 HO Retrofit Kits : Retrofit Systems : Hellolights

 

[Bluelobstor]

Have you considered led. You can find some nice ones for the price of the t5's without the downsides