Adding t5 to mitras lx7

[Michael Gray]

Couple questions.

Currently using RRL light composer.

I wanna add t5 to the tank. Do t5 run full time or only like 5 hours out of the day.

Also, what bulbs should I pick especially with RRL

I'm hoping somebody has t5 with their lx7

 

[Saltysav96]

Im curious on why you want to add t5 to them?

 

[Scdell]

Me too.

 

[Michael Gray]

Because it will help light the ends of my tank. Way my rock work is. It kind of blocks light at ends so figured t5s would help I can raise my intensity to 100 from 90 but that might only raise end from 100 par to 110

 

[Michael Gray]

I'd move the lights over a little but my acrylic top is already designed with cutouts so moving them out is not a option

 

[Saltysav96]

i personally dont think they need t5 added to them.but can you possibly raise the fixtures and then the intensity

 

[Vinny@GHLUSA Verified Sponsor]

Without changing the overall color, you can try out a 2:1 mix of blue and 50/50 if you're going to add 4x T5 bulbs.

If you're doing 2x T5, then 2x blue would be fine to use.

 

[Vinny@GHLUSA Verified Sponsor]

i personally dont think they need t5 added to them.but can you possibly raise the fixtures and then the intensity

Agreed.
This would be another thing to try out before going out an adjusting your light setup.

 

[vangvace]

I don't have Mitras yet, but am running Kessils with T5s. The LEDs have a sunrise/sunset ramp and then my T5s are on for 8 hours "midday".

With your waterbox setup, and LED fixtures, I believe the Mitras can be turned 90 degrees correct? I would try that before adding T5s. I've seen a couple setups on here with Mitras in a Aquatic Life fixtures.

 

[Roush427R]

I added t5s to mine just to see how it looked and I didn't like it. It ended up negating the cloud cover and the shimmer.

Something to think about.

 

[Michael Gray]

My lights are already 13" above water line. Tank is I think 22-23" deep. I believe my lights are 12 from sides of tank. I'll just try 100% intensity and see if I can get the ends as much as I can. But middle of sand bed dead center between both mitras are already 170-200 par

 

[Saltysav96]

how long is your tank and how many mitras ?

 

[Michael Gray]

2 lx7. 4x2 tank. Or like 47x22

 

[Michael Gray]

 

[BCSreef]

What about turning them 90 degrees? That should give you a bit more light at the ends. Although, you may lose some PAR in front and back.

 

[Michael Gray]

Another option. I didn't think of this but I'd wait for a sale like I did with these. Is get a 3rd lx7. And build some aluminum pendant type to hang all 3. Then I can put them more spread out. Across the tank.
I would have to get creative on how to hang all 3 together. Then I can put one like 8" to each side and middle centered to those

 

[Michael Gray]

Would 2 bars across the tank like this work. T slot bottom to mount the lights so they can slide where I want them. And a t slot on top to mount cable to so I can slide to the location. Not sure if they have end caps for that. But would this work?

 

[Member No 1]

Would 2 bars across the tank like this work. T slot bottom to mount the lights so they can slide where I want them. And a t slot on top to mount cable to so I can slide to the location. Not sure if they have end caps for that. But would this work?

I made my stand from 8020!

That size is overkill, but you need the top & bottom T-slot. I understand what you are trying to do, and attaching the mounting cable on top will be easy, but since the LX7206 have tapped mounting holes, how do you intend on tightening the mounting screws in the light and T-slot nut at the same time?

 

[BCSreef]

I used Makerbeam 10mm profiles not 8020 and I just drilled a hole straight through them. Then used an M5 or M6 screw to attach.

Look at Maker beam 10 or 15 mm. They may work if your spans are not too long. Link: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=makerbeam&crid=1DHAUZ8FA84A1&sprefix=maker,aps,252&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_5

 

[BCSreef]

Cost is lower than 8020 too.