I run a pair of Maxspect Ethereal LED's and recently decided I'd like to provide a boost by adding a pair of T5 HO fixtures. However my setup is a little unusual with a built in wall design and a small fishroom. Here was how I had my LED's mounted originally off of TV mounting brackets:
I needed a suspended frame that would fit my LED's, provide something to mount two single bulb T5 fixtures, and allow me to raise or lower the setup as needed. I decided to utilize 80/20 extruded aluminum as a base for the frame (also called T-slot). If you are not familiar with this product, they market themselves as "the erector set for adults" and it is all that and more. I bought all my hardware and material through http://stores.ebay.com/8020-Inc-Garage-Sale at a reasonable price. 80/20 even has a CAD design program on their regular website you can download and play around with. All the hardware I purchased was stainless steel to avoid corrosion.
I also found a light suspension system that is used in horticulture applications. It utilizes plastic pulleys and nylon rope instead of cables which is ideal for over a marine tank.
Assembly was very simple and the extruded aluminum can be easily cut with a carbide tipped finish saw blade:
The Maxspect Ethreal's have a flange around the perimeter that conveniently fit inside the slot and allow me to slide them back and forth for positioning.
I added a cross brace to both hold the T5 fixture and to act as an attachment point for the lift system:
I chose Sunpower single bulb T5 HO fixtures because of the price point. These are also designed for horticulture applications but they are not a sealed fixture like the reef brite. I came up with an unusual solution to help protect the bulb end and tombstone from any moisture. I used toe/finger protectors that are made from medical silicone which did a nice job of providing a snug fit:
The lift system itself was easy to install using a 1x4 attached to ceiling joists. The whole rig weighs less that 30 lbs. so I have more than enough support. The frame attaches to the lift system and once leveled, can be raised or lowered manually and maintains it's horizontal position.
I used one Blue+ and one Coral+ ATI bulb and have them on a schedule managed by my RKL. I'll start them off an hour a day and slowly extend the photo period until around 6-8 hours. In the meantime, I'll back off my LED intensity by about 20% to hopefully help acclimate everything. Here's a shot with only the T5's, so it does add quite a bit of light and hopefully growth as well!
Total expenditure excluding the bulbs themselves was around $200.
I needed a suspended frame that would fit my LED's, provide something to mount two single bulb T5 fixtures, and allow me to raise or lower the setup as needed. I decided to utilize 80/20 extruded aluminum as a base for the frame (also called T-slot). If you are not familiar with this product, they market themselves as "the erector set for adults" and it is all that and more. I bought all my hardware and material through http://stores.ebay.com/8020-Inc-Garage-Sale at a reasonable price. 80/20 even has a CAD design program on their regular website you can download and play around with. All the hardware I purchased was stainless steel to avoid corrosion.
I also found a light suspension system that is used in horticulture applications. It utilizes plastic pulleys and nylon rope instead of cables which is ideal for over a marine tank.
Assembly was very simple and the extruded aluminum can be easily cut with a carbide tipped finish saw blade:
The Maxspect Ethreal's have a flange around the perimeter that conveniently fit inside the slot and allow me to slide them back and forth for positioning.
I added a cross brace to both hold the T5 fixture and to act as an attachment point for the lift system:
I chose Sunpower single bulb T5 HO fixtures because of the price point. These are also designed for horticulture applications but they are not a sealed fixture like the reef brite. I came up with an unusual solution to help protect the bulb end and tombstone from any moisture. I used toe/finger protectors that are made from medical silicone which did a nice job of providing a snug fit:
The lift system itself was easy to install using a 1x4 attached to ceiling joists. The whole rig weighs less that 30 lbs. so I have more than enough support. The frame attaches to the lift system and once leveled, can be raised or lowered manually and maintains it's horizontal position.
I used one Blue+ and one Coral+ ATI bulb and have them on a schedule managed by my RKL. I'll start them off an hour a day and slowly extend the photo period until around 6-8 hours. In the meantime, I'll back off my LED intensity by about 20% to hopefully help acclimate everything. Here's a shot with only the T5's, so it does add quite a bit of light and hopefully growth as well!
Total expenditure excluding the bulbs themselves was around $200.
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I want a T5 Hybrid for my Kessil AP700 but my wife would kill me if i spent another 280 on lighting lol but it looks good!!
