T5 DIY Light Set Up
Installed 18FEB08
I have decided to go with T5 lights only. I was running 3 Metal Halide 250W Hamiltons, 14K with 4 80W T5 bulbs. This was an all in one unit. I also had 2 54W T5 bulbs separately.
I built the end peices that hold the waterproof caps out of plexi-glass. I then built the frame to hold it all together out of aluminum. I sprayed everything gloss white. All the wiring was soldered together also.
I went this route to cut down on the electric bill. T5's do not burn hot like Metal Halides. So I figured less heat on the tank which means my chiller will not come on as often to cool the tank down. Plus you can grow everything under them just like Metal Halides. T5 bulb replacement is a lot cheaper also and can last longer.
My new setup includes:
3 Workhorse 7 Ballasts, each one running a set of lights.
Tek II Reflectors
Waterproof End Caps
Two 80W Pure Actinic Plus Giesemann Power Chrome
Two Actinic Plus Giesemann Power Chrome 40% actinic 60% blue
Two 80W Aquablue Plus 11K Giesemann Power Chrome 60% actinic 40% white
They are all on timers:
The Pure Actinics come on at 6:30AM and go off at 10PM
The Actinic Plus come on at 8:30AM to 9:00PM
The Aquablue Plus come on at 9:00AM and go off at 7:00PM
The Aquablue Plus gives me more white than I thought it would. I was already thinking of replacing them with a set of Midday 6K I have, but I like the look of the Aquablue Plus. Overall, I like the balance of bulbs I chose. They put out a very eye pleasing look.
 Bending the Plexi-glass |
 Two end peices |
 Aluminum frame I built sitting on the end peices |
 I drilled out the tabs later |
 Screwed the end peice into the frame |
 Painting the frame |
End peices painted |
 Waterproof caps |
 Painted boards in place to hold the ballasts |
 Workhorse 7 Ballasts |
 Wired and ready to go |
 Wire loomed all wires |
|
 New setup look with panels open |
Panels closed |
