Re-Wiring Aquatic Life Hybrid

[radiata]

There isn’t any acrylic covering the lamps but the sockets do have a rubber coating to protect against water getting onto the electrical parts.

Thanks for the info. While one could claim that 1/16" acrylic alters the spectrum of the light passing through it, I would rather have the acrylic shield as it is easier to maintain. A damp paper towel is certainly simpler to use on it than on the individual bulbs and on the reflectors behind them.

 

[Ocelaris]

For those of you who drilled your aluminum to move the wire strain reliefs (and power plug), did you just drill a round hole? I thought wire strain nuts were oval? Any issue with the holes being round, i.e. can they twist now?

 

[Crabs McJones]

For those of you who drilled your aluminum to move the wire strain reliefs (and power plug), did you just drill a round hole? I thought wire strain nuts were oval? Any issue with the holes being round, i.e. can they twist now?

I drilled a 1/2" round hole, they pop in and hold just fine

 

[jd371]

Outstanding! What's the address to send the fixture to, how much, and what's the turn around time....thanks!

 

[Behnken]

Outstanding! What's the address to send the fixture to, how much, and what's the turn around time....thanks!

What size fixture do you have? I’m upgrading tanks and will be selling my 48” before to long and plan on getting dual 36”.

 

[drtrash]

Thats funny but not in a way, this really should be coming out of manufacturer with cords on same side not necessarily same end, mot people would probable prefer 2 cords for staged/timed lighting

 

[Behnken]

That’s a good point, I would think someone wanting staged/Timed lighting would want the outer lamps and inner lamps to be switched separately though. That would keep your light spread balanced.

 

[drtrash]

I think it’s a great product and would consider buying but hate to take apart a brand new item

 

[Behnken]

I hear you, but I love how much better the tank looks with the blend of LED’s and T-5’s.

I’m very happy with the light even with the extra work to mod it.

 

[Kyl]

I think it’s a great product and would consider buying but hate to take apart a brand new item

I felt the same initially, but the fixture is about as basic as you can get (not a bad thing). It's kind of begging to be modded, but if that's not in the area of comfortability, it looks like some of the big boys have taken notice and are going to be bringing their own T5 + your LED fixtures to market this year.

 

[jd371]

What size fixture do you have? I’m upgrading tanks and will be selling my 48” before to long and plan on getting dual 36”.

Nice job on the rewiring. I have the 48" as well. Even with the opposing wires I was able to get the fixture up neatly and the wires out of the way. I'm pretty handy and if so inclined might tackle the same rewiring to my fixture when I do the next bulb change.

 

[Behnken]

Post some pics of you do decide to modify it.

 

[jd371]

Post some pics of you do decide to modify it.

Will do. Anything I need to keep an eye out for that gave you trouble when doing the rewire?

 

[Kyl]

Will do. Anything I need to keep an eye out for that gave you trouble when doing the rewire?

Measure your cable length like 3x and leave enough room to both get the nuts on safely / securely, and be able to stuff them back in the extrusion profile.

 

[Behnken]

I also bought an extra long cord so it would reach my outlet without needing to use another extension cord.

 

[Fudsey]

What size fixture do you have? I’m upgrading tanks and will be selling my 48” before to long and plan on getting dual 36”.

I am in the market but was waiting for another sale on these. When do you plan on putting it up for sale? I might be interested

 

[Behnken]

I was waiting on a sale to come around before I bought my new ones.

 

[Fudsey]

I was waiting on a sale to come around before I bought my new ones.

FYI BRS has them on sale this weekend for 10% off. Preferred members early access today. Just ordered one

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

I was very excited to see the release of the Aquatic Life Hybrid fixture, but was a little hesitant to order one after seeing how they were wired. I’m a fan of clean installs and the thought of wires coming from both ends really made me question if I would be okay with the look.

I ended up ordering one during the Black Friday sale and finally recieved it this week. During the waiting period, I decided that I would modify the wiring once I got it. It took a good portion of the day to rewire and hang the fixture, but I have to say I’m really happy that I bought it. The added T5’s to the LED’s dramatically changed the look of the tank.

Here are some before and after pictures.

Before wiring changes


Wiring ran between the two fixtures


Wiring complete.

I bought a 15’ cord and installed in the middle of the fixture so the wiring would be hidded behind my overflow.


Fixture Installed

Very clean look. We like

 

[Behnken]

FYI BRS has them on sale this weekend for 10% off. Preferred members early access today. Just ordered one

Thanks for the heads up, I got a pair of the 36” ordered. I may document the modification process in detail this time.