add t5s to my shallow lagoon

[jguerin88]

ok so i have a 48 x24x16 with 3 ai hydra 26hds with the hms rail mount system . i’m still getting some shadowing wondering if there was an affordable easy way to mount either 1 or 2 t5 lights onto the rail one on the front and one on the rear or just one on either side . looking for recommendations

 

[Phildago]

You could do it diy and use whatever building material you like. One block on each end of the rail with sockets for the fixture attached.

For simplicity purposed, if you cut 2 2x4 to 18 inches long and mounted them 48 inches apart you could easily mount the t5 sockets on them and it would give you two t5s. One 3 inches from the front and one 3 inches from the back.

Now I'm not sure what the dimensions of your hydras are but you'd probably want to make it so the t5s are only a inch or so in front and behind them. Just to get better coverage.

 

[Phildago]

Double post.

The 2x4 was just an example as well because I know wood is very easy for most anyone to work with.

You could also fairly easily use aluminum or really any material that you feel comfortable working with.

 

[jguerin88]

i appreciate the information , i just bought /moved into my new house and don’t have a ton of tools or skill to use said tools . i was hoping for something that would be pretty much plug and play i mean i could drill holes and mount onto the light rail but i don’t have a saw or wood working tools yet

 

[Amado]

Why don’t you just buy one more ai hydras.
that will give you the spread you are looking for

 

[Phildago]

Tough. Things get tricky when trying to mix and match lights without buying specially made equipment.

Another hydra would probably be your best bet then. Leds give great spread when laid out right. I actually just ditched my t5s/leds for led only and I can't say I see any downside.

 

[jguerin88]

Tough. Things get tricky when trying to mix and match lights without buying specially made equipment.

Another hydra would probably be your best bet then. Leds give great spread when laid out right. I actually just ditched my t5s/leds for led only and I can't say I see any downside.

do you think 4 hydra 26hds would be overkill on a 48x24x16 ? i could always do 2 hydras on each side and a prime he in the middle i’m not sure just asking

 

[minus9]

Two Orphek OR3 blue plus fixtures would do the job and keep you in the all LED category. I use three OR2 blue plus fixtures on my shallow tank to fill in the outer edges and they really compliment my Kessil’s.

 

[Phildago]

I don't think it would be overkill to do 4. I would start with another hydra and rent a par meter if you don't have one. That way you can figure out the proper spacing and height when youre setting them up. They likely won't be spaced evenly due to light overlap in the middle.

Just for reference, I have a 40 b, which is 36 x 18 x 18. I use 6 led pucks that are radion clones, but for all intents and purposes very similar to the ai hydra pucks as well. With 6 of them in my tank, I get excellent light spread with even distribution and very little shadowing if any at all. The only downside here is I'm not running them at full power ever.

Are you running your hydras at 100% right now?

 

[jguerin88]

I don't think it would be overkill to do 4. I would start with another hydra and rent a par meter if you don't have one. That way you can figure out the proper spacing and height when youre setting them up. They likely won't be spaced evenly due to light overlap in the middle.

Just for reference, I have a 40 b, which is 36 x 18 x 18. I use 6 led pucks that are radion clones, but for all intents and purposes very similar to the ai hydra pucks as well. With 6 of them in my tank, I get excellent light spread with even distribution and very little shadowing if any at all. The only downside here is I'm not running them at full power ever.

Are you running your hydras at 100% right now?

no they arnt at 100 percent , the hydras each of 2 pucks for a total of 6 , i think i’ll try and grab another 26hd

 

[Amado]

no they arnt at 100 percent , the hydras each of 2 pucks for a total of 6 , i think i’ll try and grab another 26hd

you Should run your lights at 100%

 

[Mastiffsrule]

Evening,

have you checked out an ATI hybrid t5? The 3 led will fit right into the fixture with the brackets that come with it. You just need to buy mounting hardware