My Re-build thread

[c_healy]

So a while back I decided to build an led fixture, and boy did I love it :rockon:. Well after checking out some tanks with t-5's and leds I knew I needed more! :cheer2:

So off I went to find some t-5's I could use to build my led/t-5 fixture. Thanks to pickupman666 I acquired an icecap 660 ballast, end caps and 4 t-12 bulbs in a trade for some frags. Which I may convert to t-5's later on or I may not. :bounce:

Next I needed some aluminum tubing, so I talked with a co-worker whose husband owns a metal fabrication shop. Score, 2 free 48" 1x1 pieces!

Oh did I mention I am le broke and the the better half would have a fit if I spent more money changing my lights...............AGAIN?!?!?!? :help::nono:

Here's the tubing before drilling and tapping.

Laying out the leds.

Drilling/tapping the holes.

All done.

And here is a teaser of the t-12's up with the old layout of leds. Tossed em up quickly to see if I would even like the combo over my tank. Even the :ballchain: agreed it looked better :bigsmile::bigsmile::bigsmile::bigsmile:

Well I have to go run and get some plywood and other goodies so check back later today for the finished product. :confident:arty:

eace:

 

[c_healy]

EVerything wired up and in place.

Fired up.

FTS

''

My phone makes everything appear much more blue than it really is.

I still have to clean up the wiring and skin the canopy.

 

[pickupman66]

Looks sweeet man.

 

[c_healy]

HI my name is Chris .... and I have a hairy back. :wave: :ballchain: <------ did this.

 

[c_healy]

I also enjoy driving slower than the average senior citizen

 

[pickupman66]

Oh noes ! Someone left their account logged in.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

 

[c_healy]

Welps the better half saw that I left this thread up and decided to post the last 2 comments..........lol

 

[totion]

yeah, when i get the led light you built me, im gonna have to use my little workhorse 3 to run 2 24w t5ho bulbs. looks good man

 

[c_healy]

yeah, when i get the led light you built me, im gonna have to use my little workhorse 3 to run 2 24w t5ho bulbs. looks good man

You will love it. I love my leds but the color with the t12's I am running now are amazing.

 

[pickupman66]

I ran straight led for a year and a half. I added back t-5 a few months ago and love it.

Sent from my SCH-I905 using Tapatalk 4

 

[c_healy]

Darn rain and lack of a garage means the skinning of the canopy has been delayed :/

 

[Reefing Madness]

I also enjoy driving slower than the average senior citizen

ound:ound:ound:

 

[totion]

I think you've got me talked into using my workhorse 3 to run 2 t5ho bulbs with the leds you are building me. I'm thinking about canopy designs now. Might need to do a screen top instead of glass. And will probably add two computer fans and leave the canopy top open except for straps to mount reflectors to.

Now go get done with my lights lol

 

[c_healy]

Still haven't finished the canopy due to rain and watching my parents house and various other things.

I am planning on adding another string of leds or possibly a third t12.

The little bit of time I have got to run home and check on the tank things seem to be doing great. All coral seems to be responding quite well to the new set up.

I am finally getting the colors I have been looking for out of my corals

 

[totion]

Pics or they aren't coloring

 

[c_healy]

Patience young grasshopper, patience.

 

[pickupman66]

glad to hear they are coloring up. I FINALLY got my light for my frag system and cant wait for the Zoas....