Firstly I wish I had taken more pictures as this was a lot more work than I feel the images show. Anyway I have been running a basic 8 bulb T5 fixture that I got with the 120 gal tank when purchased. So my original 75 gal tank I had at my old house before had two 22" fixtures that each had two moonlight LEDs, two PC actinics, and one 250w MH. So I've been wanting to combine T5 and MH. Several times I've looked at this and pondered how to accomplish it. Originally I thought id make a full hood and incorporate it all in there but for some reason this time I looked at it in a "new light" ... ha pun intended. Moving on by my rough measurements I would be able to fit everything into the 8 bulb T5 housing. After hours of tinkering pondering and disassembling I had all the guts from all three light fixtures and started to develop the finer points of how to get it all in there and functioning.
so no photos until I got this far, this next photo was taken to show the wiring before I took it apart to paint the wood dividers I crafted to hold the lenses over the 3 areas as originally it was one plexi piece over all 8 T5
now here is painted and wired
so everything besides one ballast and half of the original T5 holders was modified or added to this housing. The original T5 reflectors were two pieces designed for 4 bulbs each so I cut one in half (carefully) and aside from the plexi being cut into two strips for the T5s on either side and filler pieces to go between the glass over the MH everything was custom install.
and all back together with lenses in, besides putting the leg back on its ready to go. So here it is on the tank lit up
everyone is in hiding not so sure about this light, and they haven't had a light that did any more than dim glow since yesterday around noon
and lunar LEDs again
On a related side note ive been dosing vodka to see if that helps with controlling my algae issues (thought old T5 bulbs might be contributing) not sure if anyone has input here but advice and comments welcome.
so no photos until I got this far, this next photo was taken to show the wiring before I took it apart to paint the wood dividers I crafted to hold the lenses over the 3 areas as originally it was one plexi piece over all 8 T5
now here is painted and wired
so everything besides one ballast and half of the original T5 holders was modified or added to this housing. The original T5 reflectors were two pieces designed for 4 bulbs each so I cut one in half (carefully) and aside from the plexi being cut into two strips for the T5s on either side and filler pieces to go between the glass over the MH everything was custom install.
and all back together with lenses in, besides putting the leg back on its ready to go. So here it is on the tank lit up
everyone is in hiding not so sure about this light, and they haven't had a light that did any more than dim glow since yesterday around noon
and lunar LEDs again
On a related side note ive been dosing vodka to see if that helps with controlling my algae issues (thought old T5 bulbs might be contributing) not sure if anyone has input here but advice and comments welcome.
