DIY T5HO Canopy Install

[Avalon]

Plans for a 100g planted tank are underway, and I just finished the lighting portion. The 100g tank is 60x18x18. This size can be really tricky to get desireable lighting without dead spots that result from staggering 48" bulbs, or using 65w PC lights. So, I picked up the supplies needed for a 5' T5HO set-up: 2x80w for a whopping 1.6w per gallon. This is fairly high light, maybe in the medium to medium high for this tank.

First of all, I'm writing this for a couple of reasons: 1. To show that T5 DIY is possible, since I've yet to actually see or hear of a DIY T5 install; 2. T5's are cheap--I'm tired of hearing folks complain about how they can't afford T5's.

I chose T5's again (I also have a 4x54w fixture) because I've been very happy with them. Some benefits include longer bulb life (2 years recommended), cheaper bulbs, most efficient light available aside from LED, less heat output, more light in less space, and better reflectors meaning far less restrike than PC's. The install took me about 2 hours. I had some trouble with a connection on an endcap. I cut a jumper wire a little short, but I was bound & determined to make it work, and I did after a few choice words.

Parts List:

2 Tek Light reflectors.............................$47.98
4 Endcaps........................................... $24
4 Standoffs......................................... $12
4 Retrofit Lamp Clips..............................$0
2 Giesemann 80w 6000K T5HO Lamps........$57.90
2 Workhorse 5 Ballasts (ebay)..................$59.16 (inc. ship & tax)
Assorted clips, screws, power cords, etc....$20 @ Home Depot

Total________________________________$221.04

AH Supply 4x54w Kit w/bulbs - $200.95, not including S&H or any taxes. Don't forget you'll still be lacking in light coverage by a foot with this kit on this tank. Take away all the stuff at Home Depot that most could find lying around, and AHS has my DIY kit beat by 9 cents.

I purchased everything but the ballasts from: Specialty Lighting at Specialty-Lights: Professional Lighting, Facilities Lighting, Specialty Light, Unique Lighting Systems This has been my second purchase from them, and they have been top notch both times. Free & fast shipping, no tax (for me), and great customer service. I forgot the lamp clips, but they tossed them in free!

How 'bout some pics?

So far, so good. (Extra ballast not being used atm)


Let's plug it in!


Nice reflectors, eh?



So there we have it. A very affordable DIY kit (considering tank size) with plenty of light to grow just about any plant you want. And for you salties, you could probably cram a total of 8 80w bulbs in this canopy for a jaw dropping 640w!

[Mahamotorworks]

That Looks really good. When I get a longer tank I will refer back to this one.

MAHA

[Fuzz16]

could we get a full tank shot to see how it looks on top?

[Avalon]

Absolutely...just as soon as I get the tank set up! I'll try to get it going on Sunday, but it may be later. I'll have a detailed journal of the tank and it's progress.

[Orion]

Sweet! Looks like a great job. I'll have to keep this in mind if I, ugh, scrap my new (semi new anyway) PC lights :P

[TheMainer]

I have also been thinking of doing a T5 DIY setup to replace my current ODNO with T8's that I have. I posted this a week or so ago. I have never bought from this site, so I cannot speak to their quality. Thought this might be beneficial for others seeking a T5 DIY setup. I do have to admit though, if AH Supply has the same setup for $200, it may just be worth getting it from them as they seem very reliable and supply a quality product. Just so happens I live in the same city as the company!

For those interested, my previous post below:

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