Converting mh hood to t5 hood

[ssreef]

I have a 6'x2'x2' wooden hood. I want to remove all fixtures and bulbs so hood is now empty of lighting.

What I want to do is to install a t5 retro consisting of 6- 80w 5' bulbs. T5 bulbs I have been told should be installed about 3-4 inches above the water. My hood is 10 1/2" in height inside dimension.

Ok now how would you suggest I make something that can be made to be installed 3"-4" above the water and could be lower or pulled back up so I could do servicing, feeding and cleanup etc. without having to take the hood off every time?

I am concerned about warpage and heat. The ability to adjust the height of the bulbs would be a big plus also. Also where would I put a fan to cool the t5 retro in the hood?

Thank you in advance icbic

 

[wetworx101]

I would make a square frame out of aluminum stock. The ends can have the waterproof endcaps mounted right on them, and the reflectors clip to the bulbs of course.


Then, nobody said that they have to be 'right side up'. The light frame can be set right on the frame of the tank, and the endcaps mounted on top of this facing up. This makes bulb removal very easy BTW. Then, the reflectors can clip to the bulbs, facing back down into the tank. This upside down socket arrangement is very useful... you can simply slide the frame around as you like on top of the tank. This keeps the lights very close to the surface, and very stable.