Supplemental T5 Question

[spartanman22]

I currently have 3 OR-T247 fixtures hanging over my 80 gallon deep blue. I made the decision that I did not like the aesthetics of the lights over the tank. So, I've decided to make a floating canopy to house the three fixtures. Since I'll be taking it all down I figured I may as well add in some T5 supplementation. I was planning on ordering a Miro 4 LET 48" T5 retrofit kit, but then I realised I havea 6 bulb 48' T5 grow light laying around. Any issue with gutting this and maybe just ordering some waterproof endcaps? Any reason I should just fork over the dough and buy the retrofit kit?

 

[Rockhead]

Buy the retro fit kit they come with the end caps and the reflectors are wider and a better quality the what's in the old fixture. For the 150 I think you'll be happier with the light.

 

[spartanman22]

That's what I'm leaning towards. I have a BRS giftcard so not like the expense is much of a worry.

 

[spartanman22]

I have 47 7/16" clearance in the canopy. Will this fit the 48" Miro 4 LET retrofit kit? Or do I need the 36" kit? I know the bulbs are 46" but not sure what the total length is with the endcaps

 

[Rockhead]

I'll measure mine at home let you know soon

 

[Rockhead]

You will be good [emoji1303] if done right it should end up 46 3/4

 

[spartanman22]

Perfect! I assumed it had to fit since the ATI 48" fixtures are actually 47" long but those aren't with the waterproof endcaps and I didn't know if they were much thicker.

Thanks for looking into that for me, really appreciate it!

 

[spartanman22]

So I may as well turn this thread into a build progression of the canopy. So I've got a question for you all. In the picture below you'll notice the two lengthwise braces. There will be a t-slot track on both braces to allow myself to slide the fixtures left and right as needed. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to setup the tracks, with some type of lift/hinge, to allow myself to lower or raise the tracks?

I was thinking about it last night and it dawned on me that I won't be able to see the displays that well on the individual units. So it'd be nice if I could drop down the units on the tracks to adjust settings if need be.

 

[spartanman22]

 

[spartanman22]

I get the retrofit kits today, and I also ordered the bluefish mini, jumper cables, gas strut hinges, and snap-in chassis jacks today. The front face of the canopy will lift up using the gas strut hinges, and I am modding my three OR-T247's to run off a bluefish mini. Hopefully I can find time to install the retrofit kit tonight. Hoping to start on painting the canopy this weekend.