Re-Wiring Aquatic Life Hybrid

[Behnken]

I was very excited to see the release of the Aquatic Life Hybrid fixture, but was a little hesitant to order one after seeing how they were wired. I’m a fan of clean installs and the thought of wires coming from both ends really made me question if I would be okay with the look.

I ended up ordering one during the Black Friday sale and finally recieved it this week. During the waiting period, I decided that I would modify the wiring once I got it. It took a good portion of the day to rewire and hang the fixture, but I have to say I’m really happy that I bought it. The added T5’s to the LED’s dramatically changed the look of the tank.

Here are some before and after pictures.

Before wiring changes


Wiring ran between the two fixtures


Wiring complete.

I bought a 15’ cord and installed in the middle of the fixture so the wiring would be hidded behind my overflow.


Fixture Installed

 

[jimmyzhou]

Very nice job. Is that hard too mod them just one cable? Or is easy

 

[jimmyzhou]

Also. Are u use both ballistic or just one ballistic for 4 t5

 

[Doclight]

Very nice.. about to order one.. Do you have pics of the inside wiring? I'd probably just want both on same side..

 

[Behnken]

I have to say it was more challanging than I anticipated but was able to complete it in about 2 hours. I am an electrician so I certainly have an advantage with a project like this. I’m not sure I would recomend it without a basic electrical knowledge.

I was planning on documenting the entire project in a lot more detail but decided not to. I do have several other pictures and can provide some additional information if you would like.

 

[Behnken]

Very nice.. about to order one.. Do you have pics of the inside wiring? I'd probably just want both on same side..

Moving the wiring to the same side would be easier. Once the fixture is taken apart you can turn the ballast around easily. The one thing to consider when doing the wiring on the same side is the bracket that connects the two fixtures together only has one cut out for the wire so you would have to cut the metal bracket to accomodate the wire on both ends.

 

[madweazl]

Nice work, much improved!

 

[Behnken]

Also. Are u use both ballistic or just one ballistic for 4 t5

I am still using the two ballast that they supplied. I just ran a single wire between the two fixtures to provide the 120volt power to the fixture that no longer has the cord to plug it in with.

 

[Doclight]

I am still using the two ballast that they supplied. I just ran a single wire between the two fixtures to provide the 120volt power to the fixture that no longer has the cord to plug it in with.

What gauge wire did you use to connect the 2 ? 14ga?

 

[jimmyzhou]

I am still using the two ballast that they supplied. I just ran a single wire between the two fixtures to provide the 120volt power to the fixture that no longer has the cord to plug it in with.

Ok thanks. Because I done my. Swap the cable to the same side. Is very clean finished also. I can hide them in canopy. The only thin is I have to use 2 outlet

 

[Daltrey]

@AquaticLifeProducts This is a much nicer and cleaner design. Can you run this by your R&D department. You are potentially saving costs by eliminating one plug and wire. Thanks

 

[Behnken]

What gauge wire did you use to connect the 2 ? 14ga?

I used the supplied 18/2 wire to connect them together. The 15’ cord I used was 16/2.

 

[AquaticLifeProducts]

@AquaticLifeProducts This is a much nicer and cleaner design. Can you run this by your R&D department. You are potentially saving costs by eliminating one plug and wire. Thanks

Looks really good! The problem we are seeing is the variety of aquariums that the fixture is used for. As an example, I'm not sure this would work for the customers wanting to use it for a peninsula aquarium.

We are working on other layouts and designs but they are not finalized yet.

Thanks for sharing the mods to the fixture.

 

[Doclight]

Looks really good! The problem we are seeing is the variety of aquariums that the fixture is used for. As an example, I'm not sure this would work for the customers wanting to use it for a peninsula aquarium.

We are working on other layouts and designs but they are not finalized yet.

Thanks for sharing the mods to the fixture.

Even if you don't go to one wire, have both wires on same side! I have a peninsula, and want wires on same end.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I was very excited to see the release of the Aquatic Life Hybrid fixture, but was a little hesitant to order one after seeing how they were wired. I’m a fan of clean installs and the thought of wires coming from both ends really made me question if I would be okay with the look.

I ended up ordering one during the Black Friday sale and finally recieved it this week. During the waiting period, I decided that I would modify the wiring once I got it. It took a good portion of the day to rewire and hang the fixture, but I have to say I’m really happy that I bought it. The added T5’s to the LED’s dramatically changed the look of the tank.

Here are some before and after pictures.

Before wiring changes


Wiring ran between the two fixtures


Wiring complete.

I bought a 15’ cord and installed in the middle of the fixture so the wiring would be hidded behind my overflow.


Fixture Installed

What did you use to plug up the holes where the wires used to come out?

 

[Behnken]

I turned the end plates that join the two fixtures the opposite way so the covered up the opening.

 

[Crabs McJones]

All done! Now I have just one cord for the t5 and one for the AP700
Thank you @Behnken for the inspiration.
I found a nice little plug to plug the hole for the removed cable.

 

[Behnken]

Fantastic job @crabs_mcjones, the plug to cover the opening worked out perfect!

 

[Crabs McJones]

Fantastic job @crabs_mcjones, the plug to cover the opening worked out perfect!

I got extremely lucky they were in the bin directly next to those cord fittings.

 

[Kyl]

Thanks to both of you @Behnken & @crabs_mcjones ! I'm definitely going to think about doing this, as it both saves a cord and looks pretty slick. Also like the idea of running the plug out of the rear, cleaning things up even more.

* Forgot to ask, what size of strain relief connectors did you guys use?