Pre T5 hood conversion thread Links.....

[Davonat]

I will do a full instruction thread on this conversion soon ...... But the parts you will need are found here www.ballastwise.com Ballast # DXE154HO5 ( look for it in T5 HO Ballasts) End fittings.. leviton 23654-EXS found here..www.onestopbuy.com (Type in T5 bulb fittings)

 

[coldbloodedAL]

haha Thanks!

 

[Venutus1]

now this IS exciting....

I will do a full instruction thread on this conversion soon ...... But the parts you will need are found here www.ballastwise.com Ballast # DXE154HO5 ( look for it in T5 HO Ballasts) End fittings.. leviton 23654-EXS found here..www.onestopbuy.com (Type in T5 bulb fittings)

Davonat, I can't wait to see your creativity my friend!

Sincerely
Todd

 

[EvilLost]

I'm very curious as well given the cryptic title ^^

 

[Davonat]

These arent the exact parts I bought.... My ballast was $42.00 and programed start. I found this ballast after I ordered already You have to make sure you get the correct end fittings... They look identical... But the instant start or quick start ballasts NEED Shunted bulb ends. It looks like the link I posted is out of stock Im sure some searching around will find the correct 1's Leviton 23654-EXS for the instant or quick start.... 13654-EXS for programmed start. Searching around for ballasts will locate the 1 you want if you want 2 bulbs or more. Just double check the start method.. and make sure you get the correct ends and make sure the ballast is T5 54 watt HO Dave

 

[Whatcamo]

Here's a couple good links for everything too!
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...aquarium-lighting/t5-retro-fit-kits-and-parts
http://www.aquacave.com/T5-DIY-Components-C333.aspx

 

[EvilLost]

I'm still a bit confused on what exactly you are doing....


converting what to a T5 or a T5 to what? it seems like you are just building your own ballast (which I do often and is def cheaper!) but I have always had problems finding good housing/reflectors ...what are you using for that?

To date, I've just mounted all my self-built ballasts into wooden light hoods, never tried building one with its own housing (I just don't know where to find that)

 

[Davonat]

I'm still a bit confused on what exactly you are doing....


converting what to a T5 or a T5 to what? it seems like you are just building your own ballast (which I do often and is def cheaper!) but I have always had problems finding good housing/reflectors ...what are you using for that?

To date, I've just mounted all my self-built ballasts into wooden light hoods, never tried building one with its own housing (I just don't know where to find that)

I am converting a new Zoo Med 36" Slider hood From T8-T12 to T5 High Output Bulbs I just have to swap out the ballast and install new adapter ends for the T5 Bulb. These adapter bulb fittings will fit in the exisitng cut outs for the bulb fittings that are already there.

 

[EvilLost]

so you are basically just using the zoomed product for the housing? not a bad idea....

though you should be aware that part of the pricetag of "high end" tube lights is in the reflectors, which may be lacking a bit.... but for the price savings

 

[coldbloodedAL]

so you are basically just using the zoomed product for the housing? not a bad idea....

though you should be aware that part of the pricetag of "high end" tube lights is in the reflectors, which may be lacking a bit.... but for the price savings

Wouldnt a piece of polished sheetmetal work? Or is it more than just polished metal?

 

[Davonat]

so you are basically just using the zoomed product for the housing? not a bad idea....

though you should be aware that part of the pricetag of "high end" tube lights is in the reflectors, which may be lacking a bit.... but for the price savings

Yes..... This conversion is for those who want to go T5 high output without having to go buy a new hood

I called the place in the link I posted for the bulb fitting adapters & he said he would look into getting more in stock. He was out of the shunted adapters for the instant start ballast that I found and posted above.

 

[Davonat]

Davonat, I can't wait to see your creativity my friend!

Sincerely
Todd

Glad to see you are interested in this I was wondering if maybe this would dip into your hood sales if alot of people did this. On the other hand.. This is a cheaper way of getting into the T5 HO world without having to buy a new hood.... and you will sell more bulbs

The reason I chose the 36" slider was for looks and function. I wanted only 1 hood that did it all. Mine soon will Ive already added a double fixture that mounts the 2 Out Door Sunshine bulbs I got from you. Then I figured "what the heck" may as well go all the way and make it use the new GREAT bulbs! I broke down and got the stuff to modify my other hood to a 24" T5 ho too. You will be seeing another order from me for a Arcadia T5 6%:

 

[c2c]

At the t5s just for lighting or do they give off UVB? Also for those interested in hoods here's a website that a lot of reef and planted tank owners use. http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/
You can also purchase empty hoods and customize your hoods ie. How wide, how many bulbs, what color, etc

 

[EvilLost]

@c2c: t5 is the size of the lighting ballast....its your BULB that determines what spectrum is given off.

@coldblooded: for "basic" purposes it will work, but if you want top of the line...there is a lot more to it than that it involves creating the reflectors at exactly the right angle so that the light going upward is not only boucned back but its directly controlled (if you are familiar at all with how waves are "focused" on a satellite dish, it is a similar concept)

 

[coldbloodedAL]

@ Evilost: I know what you mean, thanks for the answer!

@ Dave: Since the t5 bulbs for a 24" fixture are two inches shorter, Do the end fittings accommodate for the shortage of bulb length?

 

[Venutus1]

"....Glad to see you are interested in this I was wondering if maybe this would dip into your hood sales if alot of people did this...."

Heck no, I am not worried about that.

I actually love the Zoo Med Slider hood but don't stock them.

Just Can't.

They are heavy.
You see, I live Maine (and the business is in Maine)....
So to get them to Maine.. and then have to ship them to the rest of the country from here, it eats up allot of money in shipping.

And that that unforunatly makes it a deal breaker for LightYourReptiles.com because they could not be offered at a price that would be competitive with other online retailers.

**But I really really like them.**

Zoo Med hit a home run with that product IMHO.

Now, with your invention/ modification, it gives someone the option to use a better better bulb in them. (T5).

Especially if you are using one on a tall Cham cage, rather than a tank.

Davonat, YOU have really hit a home run with this one.

Thanks!
Todd

 

[c2c]

@c2c: t5 is the size of the lighting ballast....its your BULB that determines what spectrum is given off.

so what is the reason to going to t5
are you going to use a uvb bulb?

 

[Venutus1]

Wouldnt a piece of polished sheetmetal work? Or is it more than just polished metal?

All one needs is the *correct* type of reflective tape & your done.

*ie. heat resistant & UV resistant so it will not break down in a few months.

 

[coldbloodedAL]

All one needs is the *correct* type of reflective tape & your done.

*ie. heat resistant & UV resistant so it will not break down in a few months.

So that is just the inside of the hood taped? Or a curved piece of some material covered w/ tape?

 

[Chamifornia]

These are the shiz when it comes to t5 reflectors for reef tanks

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/T5...Fixtures/39W_Reflector_for_Powermodule_by_ATI