Photon V2 48" Hybrid T5 Aquatic Life Conversion

[maasman]

Just wanted to start a thread to keep everyone informed of my plan to convert my 48" to Hybrid with T5's from Aquatic Life. I spoke to Dave at Aquatic Life and he was able to give me all the part numbers I need to make this happen. Just placed the order from BRS and the total with 4 ATI Blue Plus bulbs was $460.75. I know that seems like a lot, but this should be one killer hybrid fixture when done. Hoping to have this put together and hung on Tuesday of next week. Stay tuned!

48" Hybrid T5HO 4x54W Fixture with LED Mounting System - Black - Aquatic Life

SKU: 211165

1 $299.99
24" Rectangle LED Hybrid Mounting Bracket - Aquatic Life

SKU: 211527

2 $27.98
24" Decor Endcap for Hybrid Fixtures - Aquatic Life

SKU: 211819

1 $32.99
54W 48” T5 Blue Plus - ATI

SKU: 204335

4 $95.80
Subtotal $456.76
Shipping & Handling $3.99
Grand Total $460.75

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Awesome! Following along

 

[AquaticLifeProducts]

Me too!!!

 

[twf0369]

Any updates?

 

[maasman]

 

[maasman]

So had a little difficulty getting it all together. Needed to replace screws in the RB light with longer bolts to thread into the braces. This light is pretty heavy now so I would also make sure you have planned support. I am running all ATI Coral Blues for 5 hours and instantly have seen a major difference.

 

[maasman]

I can also see every single area of my tank now. Hoping this combo is exactly what I needed.

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Looks great! How much space is there between the t5 and the reefbreeder?

 

[AquaticLifeProducts]

That looks great!!!

What supports are you using to hold both fixtures?

 

[maasman]

Probably 2 inches on both side. I took and bent pipe from Depot on a 90 and mounted them to the back of the tank. They supported my RB light and needed a little reinforcing for this.

 

[maasman]

@Alp. I wanted to use your mounting wires but needed them shorter across the unit so went with bronze chain.

 

[AquaticLifeProducts]

Thanks, the pipe is EMT or stronger?

 

[Reef Breeders Verified Sponsor]

Beautiful tank Chris!

How much longer do you need the bolts to be? We have a couple of options, one is called a standoff bolt that lengthens the current bolts. We are also having longer bolts for our lights made for those who need them.

 

[maasman]

Thanks, the pipe is EMT or stronger?

Yeah I think so.

 

[Dubs83]

@maasman can I ask how wide your tank is?

 

[JoshKReef]

Beautiful tank Chris!

How much longer do you need the bolts to be? We have a couple of options, one is called a standoff bolt that lengthens the current bolts. We are also having longer bolts for our lights made for those who need them.

I'd like to know more about the longer bolts or the standoff bolts.

I made an 80/20 extrusion mount, and used a long threaded bolt to extend mine, and it's terrible.

@maasman / @AquaticLifeProducts , do you think this could be easily attached to 80/20?

 

[twf0369]

Great looking set-up. You said you've seen an immediate impact? I'm assuming on your corals...can you elaborate?

Thank you.

 

[maasman]

@maasman can I ask how wide your tank is?

120 48”x24”x24”

 

[maasman]

Great looking set-up. You said you've seen an immediate impact? I'm assuming on your corals...can you elaborate?

Thank you.

I am running the T5’s for 5 hours and can tell a difference in the corals.

 

[maasman]

I'd like to know more about the longer bolts or the standoff bolts.

I made an 80/20 extrusion mount, and used a long threaded bolt to extend mine, and it's terrible.

@maasman / @AquaticLifeProducts , do you think this could be easily attached to 80/20?

I am not sure what you are referencing. 80/20? The square head bolts in the tracks of the RB light just needed to be a little longer and diameter a little smaller to go through the braces on the AL unit.