LED T5 mod build

[Bryan47]

So I couldn't help but notice how much more Phils corals "glowed" than mine. I realized it was the blue leds. I noticed the actinic T5s that came with my light were not very blue and I plan on replacing them with ATI bulbs. In te mean time I was looking at the led strips (it's more of a roll and you cut to size and solder) that were behind my tv. So for 30 dollars I ordered the waterproof led kit! It can do any color and has a separate set of white leds. I will hot glue these to my current t5 fixture hopefully getting a nice extra pop from the leds.

If you are going to order these make sure you get water proof and make sure you get 5050 leds and not 3528. I will post the results and keep you updated on the build! Shouldn't take too long!

Behind my tv

The fixture they will attach too

 

[fishcrf450r]

I have 5050 strips also with my mh lights .
But only realy makes my coral glow with lights off .
Can you shut the white leds off on those strips you got .your going to want just the blue to make them glow .

 

[Bryan47]

Yes I can control them independently

 

[Bryan47]

I was hoping they made more powerful strip LED lights. Like 1W atleast. Oh well!

 

[Bryan47]

There are 5 connectors on each so I am using 22AWG. Solid is easier to connect but I thought I learned in engineering stranded carried more current but I'm googling now and I guess they're equal so I am going to use solid wire.

 

[fishcrf450r]

Good that you can contol the whites separate .
1watt would be too much heat for strip lights .
There are 56 x something strip lights that are brighter than 5050 but my 5050 make coral glow with other lights out .
Try just draping them over the tank to test .
Try with your t5s off first then turn on your t5s.

 

[Bryan47]

Yeah it adds a little pop with T5s on. Definitely a great glow without t5s. I'm off to RadioShack to get smaller wire and a new soldering iron tip. And maybe a mini iron. My butane iron is awesome but a little hot for this job. There are 5 pads on each connection (+) (-) R G B

 

[fishcrf450r]

How far from enfield are you ?

 

[Bryan47]

Hour and a half

 

[fishcrf450r]

Oh . Was going to offer my equipment and wire to save you a few $ . Thats too far to make it worth it .

 

[Bryan47]

Got intercoms wire which had 24 gauge wire in a ribbon of 4. And for 25 for a really tiny iron with a bunch of tips and wood and leather tips so it was worth it. I have tons of wire just none in 24 gauge. I appreciate the offer! Got it all wired up!

 

[fishcrf450r]

Ok lets see pics on tank ...

 

[Bryan47]

Still need to fasten it. I was thinking hot glue. Strong hold yet not permanent. Any suggestions better suggestions? DJing a Christmas Party right now. I will do it tonight!

 

[fishcrf450r]

Mine are peel n stick .
Shoe goo , hot glue . Silicone .
Are you putting a strip between each bulb ?