Convince me to add LEDs to my T5 setup

john.m.cole3 · Sep 16, 2016

I notice a big trend in hybrid lighting systems these days. Reefbrite, SB lights, AI, and Kessil to name a few of the brands I have seen. I'm intrigued by the LED add-ons that mount to your existing T5 fixture on the outer edges and the ones that would replace one of the bulbs.

What's your most awesome rig, how did you build it, and why did you decide to go that direction?

cromag27 · Sep 16, 2016

I had a tek t5 fixture and just removed a bulb, then installed a strip of crees. it was easy and I didn't have to mess up the exterior of the fixture.

john.m.cole3 · Sep 16, 2016

And the crees tied in with the wiring on the fixture?

cromag27 · Sep 16, 2016

No different wires. I made holes in the back of the fixture for the wires. I added a manual dimmer knob since its a temp fixture and didn't want to wire it to my apex. I just used a piece of aluminum channel for the heat sink and epoxied the leds to it. I just did one strip of 10 leds but if it were a permanent light, I would have done two strips.

cromag27 · Sep 16, 2016

Oh, I also added two fans to the top since my wasn't the elite model and it didn't come with them.

saltyfilmfolks · Sep 16, 2016

Filling in spectral gap theory aside, one BIG reason IMO is , enjoy the tank.

My last set up on my 55 was t5 and led. The V1 current orbit would ramp up royal blue at 6, the house wakes up n sees the tank by 830 the led was as full. 9am, 2 ATI B+ came on, 11am the ATI B+/C+ comes on. At night the same. lights out at 10pm

Its just pretty. And WE get to enjoy the tank all day while we'ere there.

The "photo period "seems Long but the am and the PM ramps there is soooo little light(meter guy

), and also, I dont care. The tank is a family pet, and we want to see it while we're home.
Both my new led on both tanks are set the same.

mcarroll · Sep 16, 2016

john.m.cole3 said:
I notice a big trend in hybrid lighting systems these days. Reefbrite, SB lights, AI, and Kessil to name a few of the brands I have seen. I'm intrigued by the LED add-ons that mount to your existing T5 fixture on the outer edges and the ones that would replace one of the bulbs.

What's your most awesome rig, how did you build it, and why did you decide to go that direction?

It seems like most folks doing hybrids are doing it because of dissatisfaction with the shadows generated by spot-light LED's.

I don't see many (any? I'm thinking...) doing it to existing T5 fixtures. I always thought the people who did it on halide fixtures were nuts.

~~Radion's~~ Radiums were too perfect to need anything.

The only reason *I* can imagine doing LED's in your shoes is for the economy aspects....I'd be looking to ditch the bulb replacements and excessive power used. I'd probably be looking at the Orbit Marine Pro first among the available options.

@cromag08's way of swapping a bulb is smart and a step in the "right" direction!

Supposedly there are "E8" tubes that have LED's wired into the T5 fixture's power, but I haven't seen them for sale.

Another alternative for your existing fixture is a gu10 bulb conversion. Similar to Cromag's conversion, but not requiring any soldering. It would alter the look somewhat as the GU10's would stick out a bit. But it's by far the least expensive, and it works!

2¢

Hysa · Sep 17, 2016

I almost gave up on Led, then Ecotech Coral Lab appears, today I use Phx14 profile and great success on my reef, coral grow faster and color up as well. Radion G3 user for almost 2 years plus another year and a half Radion G1 user.
Normal version both (not the pro)

Not the best pictures but you get the idea. Consider colors are better than what you see here.

So today +1 on led ....but tomorrow how knows, so T5 plus Leds should give you the best color and grow.

cromag27 · Sep 18, 2016

http://reef2reef.com/threads/diy-t5-led-post-build.266073/

mcarroll · Sep 19, 2016

I corrected a horrible typo in post #7:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/convince-me-to-add-leds-to-my-t5-setup.265722/#post-3175091

cromag27 · Sep 19, 2016

I was going to say........

mcarroll said:
I corrected a horrible typo in post #7:
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/convince-me-to-add-leds-to-my-t5-setup.265722/#post-3175091

masssnapz · Sep 19, 2016

cromag08 said:
Oh, I also added two fans to the top since my wasn't the elite model and it didn't come with them.

Do you have a small write up or a parts list on how you added the fans and leds ? I understand the heatsink part but I get so lost when it comes to drivers, power supplies etc. I just want to add a couple dimmable leds to my tek light and a couple fans to help with cooling.