Shoehorning T5/LED combo into a canopy

[Antegon]

I’ve got a 75g (4’) in the works with a canopy I really like. The interior space in the canopy is approx 49x18x6 (over 8” to the water line). The top lid is hinged, it takes up about 7”, leaving a little less than 11” that is set.

I’ve currently got one AI Prime HD on hand for the project. I’d like to get another, and run those two with retrofit dimmable T5s. I was thinking 4, two in two ballasts.

Assuming I have room on the back board of the canopy for power packs/cabling, is there some way to get all of this configured some way? I could increase the height by an inch or two, but not much other wiggle room to expand space-wise.

 

[DLHDesign]

Two T5's (including reflectors) are about 6" wide. The AI Prime is ~5" square. You should (in theory) have room to mount two sets of 2 T5's along the front/back of the hood, with the AI's in the middle...

My canopy is a bit larger than yours, but it's got the same general layout (Radions - which are larger than AI's - instead). You can find it in my build thread starting here.

 

[jda]

Dimmable T5s are a waste of time, IMO. Run the T5s full tilt and use the Primes for the dimming/ramping. If you get 4x T5s, they will be providing the bulk of the spectrum and output anyway.

 

[DLHDesign]

I personally like having dimmable T5's along with my LED's. I use the dim feature for not only sunrise/sunset ramping, but also for simulating storm modes. I wouldn't say they are required by any stretch, but the extra costs associated with them (initial costs and bulb life) seem a fair trade-off for my use. To each their own, of course.

 

[Antegon]

Nice build on that canopy. I agree I could fit it all in like you describe, I’m just worried about access. Since this is an attached canopy, I lose 6-7” of that 18” width from the lids to access the tank.

One idea was two set all 4 T5s, (or could I get away with less? 3? 2?! Wouldn’t think so but open to reasons why I could, haha!), together for the back 8–11” inches, then custom mount the two primes on arms that could swing, or tracks that could slide out of place, so when I needed access, I could just raise the lid and move the light?

 

[DLHDesign]

One thing to keep in mind is the heat generation that come from T5's (and the LED's). You'll want to make sure that the hood is well ventilated, otherwise you'll have issues with shortened life of bulbs (or worse).

The importance of the number and position of the bulbs would depend upon the scape of your tank, what corals you're going to have, and other such factors. Lots of variables involved... ;-)

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

I put 4t5 retro fit and a 3in wide current orbit in my standard 55 with 6in from the water to the top of the canopy.

Pretty jealous of all the room you have actually.

How you use the t5 is up to you really.
I just blended mine in with the ramp full blast and only used them for 6 hrs a day.(middle two for 3) But I’m cheap and got the most explosive growth I’ve ever had with that set up.

 

[Antegon]

I put 4t5 retro fit and a 3in wide current orbit in my standard 55 with 6in from the water to the top of the canopy.

Pretty jealous of all the room you have actually.

How you use the t5 is up to you really.
I just blended mine in with the ramp full blast and only used them for 6 hrs a day.(middle two for 3) But I’m cheap and got the most explosive growth I’ve ever had with that set up.

Nice, any pics?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Nice, any pics?

Nah. Not really. Couple years and few phones ago.
I installed them and suddenly had to leave town for about six weeks.
Came back and had to frag the sps.
Lol.

Pretty much what incame Home to.
I had to give away the other half of the stylo on the sand bed.

 

[Antegon]

One thing to keep in mind is the heat generation that come from T5's (and the LED's). You'll want to make sure that the hood is well ventilated, otherwise you'll have issues with shortened life of bulbs (or worse).

The importance of the number and position of the bulbs would depend upon the scape of your tank, what corals you're going to have, and other such factors. Lots of variables involved... ;-)

Thanks!
I’ve got cooling fans/vent plans for the hood for sure. As far as tank/scape/corals, probably mixed reef, thinking scape 1-2 islands with swim room on both sides, but less in the back.