are Tek lights easily modifiable?

[zergling]

I'm setting up a 40breeder tank, and I'm not very handy with woodworking or any DIY related stuff. I originally wanted to go with a 4x39W T5HO retrofit kit, in a finished enclosure from ahsupply, because this allows me to add another 2x39W kit or upgrade to IC660 ballasts if necessary.

However, I just hate the looks of wooden canopies (no offense to people, I'm just retarded when it comes to aesthetics :lol: ). I'd rather have a hanging lighting fixture. I was thinking of getting a 4x39W Tek light, and swapping out the ballasts if I feel the need to overdrive the bulbs. Has anyone successfully done this?

I have a 2x54W T5HO fixture on my freshwater planted tank, and I can easily disassemble it and replace wiring, ballasts, and I've already changed its reflectors. I have a low-light freshwater with a coralife 2x18W T5NO strip light and this one I have to literally break to get to the ballast......how are the Tek lights?

 

[zergling]

bump....

 

[hahnmeister]

Swapping out the ballasts isnt really necessary, nor a good idea with a Tek. The ballast, an Icecap 660, wouldnt fit inside of a Tek... its too large. You would have to mount it on the top which kinda defeats the purpose. Maybe, you would be able to mount it remote to the reflector... but still... whats the point, you know?

The other problem is that the Tek doesnt have active cooling or fans... and with an Icecap 660... you will NEED fans.

You could just use normal output T5s... just getting a regular Tek 4-6 bulb unit, and add some fans.

OR, click on my little red house, and look on pages 2-3 at the DIY T5 fixtures I made. You could make one that is thicker (for the Icecap ballast) and only 3' long with sheet aluminum. Or, just keep the 3" thickness and just use normal output T5 ballasts. My units have fans built in as well as Icecap reflectors and waterproof endcaps, so they are well worth it. Sheet aluminum is dead cheap too. I think with active cooling and icecap reflectors, 4x39wattT5s could be plenty. I had 6x39 over mine, and it was actually too much for some corals, so I usually only ran 4 bulbs anyways.

 

[zergling]

thanks hahn!! I'll go and read your DIY stuff :thumbsup: