Single T5 strip ideas

[James77]

I was going to add an LED strip to my halides for my new tank setup, but I have T5 retro equipment and bulbs laying around, so it would be far cheaper to set that up.

I loved the finished look of the ReefBrite LED strip....has anyone done a DIY T5 strip light that is of show quality?

The lighting on this tank is in the open, so appearance matters

 

[uncleof6]

Keep the T5's away from the halides, or they will not last very long. T5's, a relatively new technology, have very specific temperature and cooling requirements. If they get too warm, or are not cooled properly, say bye bye to their benefits. They do not play well in a 'fixture' with halides...open is debatable, they need to reach a particular temperature, which is generally above ambient temps that are common, it can be researched fairly easily, I just don't remember offhand.

I have done some 'show quality' fixtures, however, I don't advertise them, show them blah blah. I have access to CNC and a Techni Waterjet...that makes a huge difference...

One of the better 'open' fixtures, I have seen on here, was done by GlassReef...back in 2008...

Not sure what you mean by 'strip light,' however if you are refering to something related to HD, don't bother it is not worth it...

 

[James77]

Yeah...no CNC here. Was referring to a finished strip....kind of like a reefbrite LED strip, but for T5. Anything out there that is T5 strip light has zero cooling.

Maybe I am over thinking this. Retro reflectors, painted black on the outside and slightly tilted in won't look terrible. Most people tend to be distracted by the tank anyways

But man....I would love access to a CNC someday in my life....but that has many thousands of dollars written all over it .

 

[uncleof6]

Well they ain't free. Aside from that T5 don't do good in singles (read strip,) and done right, kick the snot out of metal halide... I doubt I would do a single, doubles yeah, but stacking them up as many will fit front to back, makes for a stunning distraction...