Maxspect Razor with T-5's- DIY build

[Tank2379]

Well I thought it was time to install some T-5's along side my Razor over my 36"X24"X12" Frag Tank. This is going to be interesting since there is no way to mount this directly on to the fixture but I am going to try it out. Lets just say small Zip ties are your friend with this DIY. I purchase a 24" retro fit kit from ebay, they came directly from Sunlight Supply so I believe its a Tek Retro fit kit. Anyhow I am hoping to get this all setup this weekend and have more pictures of what I did. But here is what I started with did have much time yesterday since it was dinner time and the Bulls game was starting

I zip tied the reflector to the fixture

another shot

I have some bulbs ordered up I am going to go with a Purple Plus and a UVL actinic White bulb since it's only 2x T-5, i'll play around with the combinations going forward and see how much more color pop I get...

 

[Mstansbery]

Sweet idea!! I would only be concerned with heat exchange. Are you confident the zipties will withstand heat that the fixture endures??

 

[LILBUDDHA]

+1 .
Keep a close on the zip ties . The UV n heat from the t5's will degrade the zipties and they will become brittle.
It would be best to buy the metal zip tie bands .
Just curious , why are you adding t5's to the Razor ?

 

[Tank2379]

I don't see them being an issue since its on the heat sink itself. I have yet to hear the fans go on in my razor so I am confident it will be cool enough. I can install 2 fans on each side if I feel it is getting to hot for them. Either way I might do it to just keep the bulbs cooled down for longer life

 

[Tank2379]

+1 .
Keep a close on the zip ties . The UV n heat from the t5's will degrade the zipties and they will become brittle.
It would be best to buy the metal zip tie bands .

Good idea... I will look into that... Thanks

 

[Tank2379]

Ok here is what I did. I forgot the reflectors snap on to the T-5 bulbs so no need to zip tie them. My wife gave me an idea of using crafting wire which was better than metal zip ties. I didn't think it would work out but I was able to get it working. Take a look and let me know what you think.

Crafting wire

Took zip ties off

Trying to get the brackets on was a small challenge but got it done

Wires stick out but gonna have to deal with it for now until I figure something else out

Thought it looked pretty good

 

[Tank2379]

Wiring it together was easy

Fired them up

Here is how I got them mounted with this piece of wire it's thin but it works perfect and it strong enough to hold it in place

Not to bad

Right now trying to figure what photo period I should run them. I got it right now running from 12:00 to 3:00pm just to see what kind of response I get from my corals I have now.

 

[MarineDepot]

Interesting retrofit. It looks cool. Do you still get shimmer from the LED's with the two t5's?

Chris

 

[Tank2379]

Interesting retrofit. It looks cool. Do you still get shimmer from the LED's with the two t5's?

Chris

As of now it still holds its shimmer which is perfect it's not that bad really and I can finally tank some decent photos also...

 

[Tank2379]

Here are a couple photos with the T'5 the Tank is a little dirty at the moment because maintenance is due.. Lol

Any how it's not that bad the color of the corals really are popping which I like...

Another shot

Some of my Zoa Colonies

Spider man Palys

Let me know what you guys think... I can tweak some things..

 

[NanoNathan]

was the leds not enough light ??

 

[Pkunk35]

How are you liking the new color combo with the T5 bulbs and which T5 bulbs are you using? I'm thinking of moving to T5/LED combo so very interested in your experience.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[Tank2379]

was the leds not enough light ??

It was enough light... But since I love T-5 so Much it gave me an excuse to add them. But the light spread on a 36"X24"X12" tank wasn't enough in my opinion without raising it so high up from the water line to gain spread and lose Par. As of now I feel at piece with corals having a little UV into the Mix. I am not 100% sure if LED provide that.

 

[Tank2379]

How are you liking the new color combo with the T5 bulbs and which T5 bulbs are you using? I'm thinking of moving to T5/LED combo so very interested in your experience.

Thanks for sharing!

I actually like it. It gives it a little bit more Pop to the corals. I went with a ATI Purple Plus and a UVL Actinic White...

 

[dorky]

wow i thought about doing tht but decided to go with the diy version. it nice to see more people doing the led/t5 combo which i think it the best combo i cant wait to get started on my project which will be led/t5 being control by the touch screen arduino my first time doing something tht big.

 

[Tank2379]

Here is a Full Tank shot. Pics really don't do it justices, But I really like the brighter White Purple looks along with the LEDs going on the Razor. It really has everything looking great.

 

[zzl630]

Just want to follow how's LED/T5 COMBO going now? Everything still looking good?

 

[philfree]

just found this right now. wondering how this is working out?
Its a pretty old thread but still curious.

 

[Tank2379]

It worked out pretty good.. I set the T-5 to come on in the AM and once the LED's ramped up to 50% I shut the T-5's off then on again around dust until the moonlights kicked on then turn them off again. The moonlights did the rest and the Color Pop was Amazing I'll post a picture of the Pop I got form this combo. I no longer have this setup cause it was a couple years back I ended up selling the unit cause I was breaking down the tank, if it wasn't because of that I would have keep the unit and retro fit

 

[menglish]

I just found this thread and am very interested in this as I am planning to do the same thing. I am upgrading my 90G to a 180G this weekend and since i already have 2 16k razor, i decided to get a 3rd and will add 2 T5 bulbs. The issues i am having are.
1. How to mount the T5 and the razor under the canopy. I like the clean look so everything much be under the canopy. I cannot tie the T5 to the Razor like you did as I am going with 60" bulbs and have 3 razors. Building a 12" high canopy and will try to add the retrofit T5 kit to the canopy.
2. What color T5 bulbs should i use? The tank will be LPS dominant but i am certain to have a few pieces of sps as well.
I would appreciate any thoughts on the above two points.
Much thanks