T5 Fixture DIY Fan Install

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#1
More detailed write up to follow. But wanted to start fielding bulb combination ideas.

What 6 bulb T5 combo would you guys recommend?

I am new to T5, would love to see some pics of tanks running T5 and what bulb combo. I want the spectrum to lean on the whiter side as I have all blue (450 nm / 470 nm) LED bar for pop.

So I had been toying with the idea of going T5 for sometime and when I saw this fixture at a decent price thought it would be a fun project.

I ordered a couple fans, power supply, and a LED light bar to mount. I’ll link parts in posts to follow.
BDD8636E-4E37-437C-91E8-22AE101DC7EC.jpeg

87EC4BB9-3FD7-448A-95E5-76BA172034FA.jpeg

Original plan was to go with two fans but I think that may be counter productive. I think I’ll go with one for now and measure progress can always add the second.
 
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#2
For bulb combo I’m thinking some sort of ATI Blue+ / Aquablue special combo. Not sure what other bulb(s) to potentially add to that combo.
 
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#3
if you have the 2 fans, why not install them ? you can have one pull air in and the other push air out.
plus you already have the unit torn down so its a perfect time to do it (y)(y)
 
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#4
if you have the 2 fans, why not install them ? you can have one pull air in and the other push air out.
plus you already have the unit torn down so its a perfect time to do it (y)(y)
That was the original plan but I am wondering if the fan pulling would just be pulling the cool air from the fan blowing. Especially with out any sort of baffling to direct air flow.
 
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#5
that is how the Tek Elite fixtures are set up. one fan pulls in and one pulls out. no baffles or anything.
you actually have the fixture you have posted laid out exactly like an Elite fixture, just bigger fans
 
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#8
Just to be clear, I am not a lighting or ventilation expert.

I think the direction of the fans should be focused on the job to be accomplished. Bear with me for a sec...
1. If you are trying to cool the T5 bulbs you would want to force cool air around the bulbs.
2. If you are trying to remove excess heat from the fixture you would want to vent both fans away from the bulbs.

I think the goal is not to cool the T5 bulbs as they typically operate at a higher heat and are not damaged by doing so. So you can decrease the heat near your tank by venting up and away. There is likely some residual cooling effect as you would be promoting the rising of hot air therefore encouraging cooler air to enter the lighting space. Just a thought.

Either way, nice modification! Best of luck.
 
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#10
Just to be clear, I am not a lighting or ventilation expert.

I think the direction of the fans should be focused on the job to be accomplished. Bear with me for a sec...
1. If you are trying to cool the T5 bulbs you would want to force cool air around the bulbs.
2. If you are trying to remove excess heat from the fixture you would want to vent both fans away from the bulbs.

I think the goal is not to cool the T5 bulbs as they typically operate at a higher heat and are not damaged by doing so. So you can decrease the heat near your tank by venting up and away. There is likely some residual cooling effect as you would be promoting the rising of hot air therefore encouraging cooler air to enter the lighting space. Just a thought.

Either way, nice modification! Best of luck.
Thanks for the input, I also am by no means a lighting expert lol. More following those that have done this mod in the past.

There are two goals in mind one cooling the "cold spot" on the bulbs themselves hence one fan blowing down at the bulbs on the one side. This is supposed to extend life and maximize performance of the bulbs. Second goal is to remove excess heat from the fixture to extend ballast life and in general get rid of excess heat. I just don't know that the cooling bulb part will be that effective without baffling or mods to the reflectors.

I will configure it one fan pushing and one fan pulling and test with a temp gun to see results. I can always break back into it.
 
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#11
Pretty neat. Will you be installing a solid reflector or individuals?
I have the original two piece reflector that I buffed out as best as possible but, may eventually go with some new ones. I was not to sure on fitment if it is a universal type of thing or if they are fixture specific?
 

Speaker73

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#12
This is exactly what is like to do with my 48" tek fixture. How did you cut the holes in the fixture? Waiting for that equipment list as well....
 
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#13
This is exactly what is like to do with my 48" tek fixture. How did you cut the holes in the fixture? Waiting for that equipment list as well....
I will post the full build over the weekend. I used a hole saw 4.5" for the 120 MM fans, harbor freight one at that and it worked fairly well.
 
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#14
Got it pretty much wrapped up over the weekend except need to decide on a bulb combo.

Parts List:
2 X120mm x 25mm (there are thinner ones if your fixture has tolerance between the reflector and housing)I went with these.
Noctua NF-P12 redux-1700 PWM,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CG2PGY6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I also got these to reduce sound.
Noctua NA-SAVP1 chromax.Black,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018SOU3UG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

2 X grill / fan guard
coolerguys 120mm Black Finger... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012BAKA1U?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

1 X 2 way power supply adapter (they have 3/4 way if you were adding more fans, just be sure to order the appropriate power supply)
CRJ Electronics DC Power Supply... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MAU7QD4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

1 X voltage adjustable power supply ( this will allow you to to “tune” the fans there is not much difference by feel but we will see if it makes a difference
Belker 36W Universal 3V 4.5V 5V... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078LSVVTB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I also ordered one of these aliexpress light bars that I some social media reefer have takes about. Honestly never used aliexpress before I didn’t know if I could trust it lmao. But communication was great with the seller price was fair and I gave it it shot for this “budget” build. I had them match the orphek blue sky spectrum so half 450 nm LEDs / 470nm LEDs I think will make for a great pop at night.
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32843...gtncvxicaaz517edc331440186d757251ac346&gclid=

Tools:
4.5” hole saw if you use 120 mm fans
3/16” drill bit for fan screw holes
1/16” for pilot holes
File and sand paper
Pliers

After drilling the holes for the fans I filed and sanded the edges down. Quick paint job with some flat black. Could have spent more time on this and matching the color, do better on on your build, lol. Color is more satin then flat.
DC4CD0AA-14B7-47B9-873F-69C08D63C71C.jpeg


Make sure the fans are pointed where you want them. In my case one pointing down on one side and the other point up pushing air out on the other.
4CFE22B7-0F55-4C27-BEA8-9755631C6B47.jpeg


Opposed to drilling more holes in the housing I popped this grommet out. You will need players to squeeze the back and
10E6CFF2-13E0-4475-BDE7-17E31A2BA1AB.jpeg


The connector makes it plug and play. Just be sure you get one that matches your fan choice.

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Wires cleaned up.
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Wire grommet fit back into place took a little convincing with power supply adapter added.
29D96EC1-2E33-44DA-ADAA-8D8839F864CD.jpeg

Quick power check before reflectors go back on. Fans worked and light bar powered up.
0A377242-154E-4721-9E69-FD2940B1DA1C.jpeg


And reflectors added. Now I just have to get some bulbs and get this baby hung up.
6D8FB73F-1663-40DF-B87A-5240A5D31142.jpeg
 
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#15
Two 10k, two actinic, and whatever the pink and purple ones are. I have no idea. You’d probably need to look at some 10-15 year old threads to get ideas.
 

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