? about modding an Aqualight

[ConcreteReefer]

Would it be possible to take the PC-bulbs/reflectors out of a 48" Aqualight (2x150w + 2x96w) and install some sort of T5 retro kit (Icecap)?

I'm trying to make the best of what I have, since the we are in a recession, I can't afford that nice Giesemann Infinity I've always wanted. I'm getting awesome growth out of my 150w XM 10k's but want more blue. The PC actinics suck, and if this retro is possible I would be able to bump my halides up to a 14k and get rid of actinics all-together.

How wide are the Icecap Reflectors? If I were to take out the stock reflector's I have about 4"W x 2"H x 48"L. There are 3 ventilation holes on the top of this light along with slots on the sides. I'm also thinking about upgrading the stock fan with something that has a little more horsepower.

I was thinking about gutting my light & retrofitting 2x54w T5's in the front & another 2X54w in the rear. This kit-

Would this fit? Is it worth the hassle? Has anyone ever done this?

 

[ConcreteReefer]

screw it- I'm just gonna get new lights.

 

[dave2184]

I think those reflectors are about 3" wide but the height may be an issue. The endcaps are probably about 3" high.

 

[ConcreteReefer]

thanks dave

 

[dave2184]

No problem, if it saves you from ordering a compleatly new setup it's worth a try. If they stick down a bit you could add a set of blinds made from reflector material kind of like this.

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/------\

 

[ConcreteReefer]

I'm on the ropes here. I'm thinking about building a canopy and just saying to heck with it. A high quality fixture w/ decent reflectors is too much of an investment right now.

I really don't think adding 2 T5 vho's would benefit me all that much. A canopy would allow me to use 2 250w LA mini's & I wouldn't even need T5's.

 

[nanoguy]

Concrete...........you will not need to use the waterproof end caps (the large ones) since your lights will be inside the fixture. Go to reefgeek.com and check out the parts and accessories section. They have the really small twist on T5 end caps that should easily fit into your fixture. You will just have to tear the unit apart and figure out how to attach them.......shouldn't be too hard. There's no pic of the end caps on the site but they are priced $1.95 for the pair (if I remember correctly each end cap only measures 3/4"x1" tall). By the way, you should be able to add 4 t5's total in your fixture since the unit currently houses 2 96watt pc's. You'll be surprised on what these T5's will do for coloring up your corals.

 

[ConcreteReefer]

nanoguy-

thanks for the tip- I'm looking into that.
Now, since I'm running halides. Should I go with the standard T5HO so I can get a little more life out of the bulbs (cheaper too)?
If I do decide on the T5VHO, would those endcaps be ok?
What would be a good bulb combo (I'm looking more for color than par/growth)?


thanks

 

[just dave]

According to the AAG Stucchi website the end caps are fine for VHO. Before you continue you might want to look at the UVL PC-R 96w Super Actinic bulbs.

 

[ConcreteReefer]

I contacted Greg at Reefgeek to see what kind of package he can put together for me. *If* I do this I'll make sure to document/take pics every step of the way just in case it doesn't work, I can revert it back to stock.

Also, I'll post my progress here so if anyone else try's to do it- There will be a reference to guide them along.

what would be a good color combo for the T5's? I wan't my corals to *pop*- something to cover up my Yellow XM-10k's (which will eventually be replaced by a set of Aqualine Bushke 10k's).

 

[nanoguy]

I really like the ATI Blue Plus and the ATI True Actinic combo. I have 2 of each on my 24" fixture running together with a 250 watt DE 14k phoenix bulb. It is visually appealing and the corals seem to be liking it too.