T5 Retro - How To Install??

[JOSEPHLB]

Man, I must be dumb or something.

Here I sit, attempting to install my T5 retro kit, purchased from Reekgeek; not having a clue as to how to lay it out.

First mistake made was: purchasing a 6 bulb retro kit, and then realizing only 4 bulbs would fit in my AGA canopy. (the canopy riser blocks that allow it to sit on the tank, limit that area underneath the canopy to place a bulb/reflector/end caps.)

So, where does everyone mount the ballasts??
How are the wires ran, so it doesn't look like a spider web?

Just trying to figure this out, since I have two of the bulbs hooked up to one of the ballasts and have it working correctly, but now just need to get ideas on how to mount it. This is the point I'm lost.

 

[Drewcipher]

I mounted the ballasts inside my stand, but you can also do the wall behind the stand.

Use zip ties or twist ties every foot or so to keep wires together. As the wires from each end cap come together you can put more wires together. Also, you can cut the wires once you know where the ballasats are going to be mounted. Reefgeek gives you huge amounts of wire.

Also, see if you can fit a fifth light behind the riser. I had the same problem with my 26gal. I got 3 of my bulbs in there. You just wire the end caps differently fot the ballast to power only 1 light.

 

[JOSEPHLB]

Drew, thanks a bunch.

Also, is weather/water proofing the wires recommended or suggested??


For zip tying the wires, I assume you would start at the end caps and work down the wire, towards the ballasts?

Then, when you reach the ballasts location, cut off the excess wire?


I didn't realize a retro was such a mess

 

[Young Frankenstein]

Use a Nema3r box rain tight and SJ or SO cord with strangling connectors

 

[Scuba_Steve]

do you have a sump/refugium? If so you can use the other lights to light it. I dont know how your retro is outfited, but if you can just use 24" bulbs, and smaller or no reflectors as the light will be plenty even without them for a ref. I just dont know if your ballasts will adjust for the weaker bulbs....

 

[sjm817]

Take your time and run the wire neatly. I put split wire loom around the wires. here is the canopy from my 180. My ballasts (Ice cap 660) are in the stand.

 

[JOSEPHLB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9539185#post9539185 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sjm817
Take your time and run the wire neatly. I put split wire loom around the wires. here is the canopy from my 180. My ballasts (Ice cap 660) are in the stand.

What size is that wire loom?

I was checking out a couple of Lowe's in my area and they do not have it.

Advanced Auto Parts has some, but its 3/4" and it just looks entirely too large.

 

[sjm817]

I think it is 1/2"

 

[JOSEPHLB]

Everyone, thanks a bunch for the assistance/help.

 

[techreef]

the wire loom is a great idea. thanks!

 

[Scuba_Steve]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9539419#post9539419 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by techreef
the wire loom is a great idea. thanks!

I agree, and anticipate the location to find the smaller ones.

 

[JOSEPHLB]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9539481#post9539481 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scuba_steve1
I agree, and anticipate the location to find the smaller ones.

I just now found it here: http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=080-525

Just need to find a place locally that sells it.

Partsexpress has it down to 1/4"

 

[Drewcipher]

Yea, the loom looks better than my zip ties, but yes, I started at the end cap and moved towards the ballasts.