My DIY 6x24W T5 set

[kaykay]

After toying with the idea of MH, T5, of a combination of both, I've finally decided to go for full T5 for my 2by2.

Wanting the flexibility if 6 tubes, I had to DIY, as there seem to be no such option for a 2ft unit.

So armed with some aluminium bars, some T5 accessories, some shopping time at SLT, and a whole lot of elbow grease, this is what I came up with..

I had at first wanted to fix the individual reflectors permanently on the frame, as I know the reflectors will attain a mind of their own, each wanting to face its own way. Though technically it's possible, changing bulbs can become a challenge to keep the skin on my fingers intact. Therefore I followed the traditional way.

Do note that the reflectors are purchased from a different vendor from the 4.

Tubes are:

2 x ATI Aquablue Plus

2 x ATI Blue Plus

1 x ATI Purple Plus

1 x Giesseman Actinic Plus

How the tank looks under 6 tubes all on.

[Zac]

Nice DIY bro. May I know where you buy the aluminium bars?

[mengyang_neo]

Bro is the 2 external tube white? Cause normally people put white tube in the center as they are the basic light and they are grow for coral grow, blue tube will be normally outside.

[peacemaker]

Bro is the 2 external tube white? Cause normally people put white tube in the center as they are the basic light and they are grow for coral grow, blue tube will be normally outside.

I had the same thoughts.

How much is the entire setup? DE Lighting has 2ft 6 tubes option, so I'm surprised that you have to resort to DIY unless it is significantly more cost effective, etc.

[sanhas]

Impressive workmanship. Also wondering how much does it cost?

[kaykay]

Bro is the 2 external tube white? Cause normally people put white tube in the center as they are the basic light and they are grow for coral grow, blue tube will be normally outside.

I also had the same thoughts initially. But after speaking with Ken at Madpetz & Ah Hang at AM, I was convinced to place the purple and actinics in the middle. Ken advised me to place the whites on the outside, for a reason I can't remember now LOL... Hahaha..

The blues and the whites can be switched easily. Probably I'll do so later. Thanks..

As for the cost, I saved more than 40% than if I had bought the retrofit. So the DIY was worth it.

The main reason for the cost savings is that I reused many parts from my previous DIY T5 set. I also inherited the aluminium bars from another reefer here, and had another bro helped me cut them in his workshop.

[kaykay]

That means I only spent on the tubes, reflectors, ballasts, and 4 endcaps.

DIYing was the logical step for me.

[kaykay]

Changed the position of the blues and whites.

[MarcoVan]

Wow impressive workmanship.

I think your bros are of great help. The aluminium bars arent cheap man haha

[iczboi]

wow, 6 tubes of light. great work and looks impressive. Keep it up, and happy new year to you

[kaykay]

Wow impressive workmanship.

I think your bros are of great help. The aluminium bars arent cheap man haha

Thanks bro.

Yup you're absolutely right. The bars are expensive. Actually I have leftover bars. Will be starting another thread to give them away.

[qingwen]

how much did you spend in total minus the aluminium bars?

[kaykay]

how much did you spend in total minus the aluminium bars?

In total I spent $310 on all the parts sans the aluminium bars. I had leftover endcaps, single core wires and electrical cables & 3 pin plugs I could recycle.

[qingwen]

In total I spent $310 on all the parts sans the aluminium bars. I had leftover endcaps, single core wires and electrical cables & 3 pin plugs I could recycle.

sans the aluminium bars?

not including you mean? or including?