DIY T5/Led Build?

PaulKreider · May 21, 2015

I've got some questions and i've been tossing around the idea of adding on some t5 bulbs to my current led fixtures.

What I've been seeing alot is led/t5 combo's and im looking to do something similar for my reef, my question is what t5 system should I implement?

I'm mainly wondering if something like a highbay t5 fixture that's not really meant for aquariums will work. I'm completely new to t5's so give me some slack. Is there a difference between the aquarium rated fixtures and any other highbay t5 system I can get my hands on? IE will the ballasts work and should I be worried about anything? I've noticed that these highbay fixtures that I can get on amazon and such only run about $100 compared to the aquarium fixtures that are much more.

Something like this
http://www.ledpro.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_94&product_id=169
but gutting out the middle two bulbs to fit my current led's which are two 20x6inch fixtures.

Or something like this
http://www.ledpro.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=59_94&product_id=166
and just sort of hanging the fixture ontop of my current led's. Let me know what you think.

Will there be a problem with light spread? Are the reflectors and ballasts sufficient?

Like I said I've never delt with t5's before so this is all new to me.

143MPCo · May 22, 2015

I added T5 to my 150g, it has radions led but, I felt in wasn't enough of a spread.
What I have:

Specs:
48" 2x54W Miro-4 T5 Retrofit Kit
Everything you'll need is in the box

Moisture-proof caps
High-ouput ballast
High polished aluminum Miro-4 Reflectors
Comes with easy to follow directions
Great customer support
LET Lighting kits are backed by a 1 year warranty
Bulbs Sold Separately

I looked over the ones you noted in the links and I didn't see the wattage but, I don't see a reason why it wouldn't work for you...

wangspeed · May 22, 2015

T5HO has great spread. I think putting them in the center makes the most sense. From there, depending on your tank size, you can run high power LED strips like from 21ledusa, or run more first tier LED if your tank is wide enough.

Orly20 · Jun 1, 2015

Hi @PaulKreider ,

I just got of the phone with LEDpro and their customer service guy says he has known you for a while now and he was very helpful. What light did you go with? What did you end up doing? I am in the same boat

Thanks

PaulKreider · Jun 1, 2015

Orly20 said:
Hi @PaulKreider ,

I just got of the phone with LEDpro and their customer service guy says he has known you for a while now and he was very helpful. What light did you go with? What did you end up doing? I am in the same boat

Thanks

Still haven't pulled the trigger on the build yet, funds aren't in place yet thanks to some recent unfortunate events, but hopefully in the future i'l use one of those lighting systems, from what I figure they seem like they would work just fine.

Does anyone feel those specific fixtures wouldnt work?