How to DIY a T5?

[fernandokng]

OK. So I'm not an electrician. Actually, I'm pretty inept when it comes to wiring.

I have a workhorse 7 ballast lying around, and I figure it's better to use it than to let it sit there to collect dust.

What do I need to get it started? My tank is 36" long, so I'd figure I'll be using 39W 36" bulbs. I also have some square pin bulbs, so maybe I can use those too.

I just have no idea where to start, or if it's worth buying parts used.

Sockets, reflectors? What should I be looking for?

Thanks.

 

[NYreefNoob]

Is That Ballast For 1-2-3-4 T5's ? Is It For A 39w Light ? If Yes Then You Need X Amount Of Reflectors, Standoff's And Ends Caps

 

[fernandokng]

This is the ballast I'll be working with:

http://www.prolighting.com/wo7elba12loc.html

 

[NYreefNoob]

so you can run 4 36" t5's so you need 4 reflectors, 8 stand off's and 8 end caps, which buy the time you buy all this stuff you could basically buy a fixture

 

[fernandokng]

What are stand offs? I was hoping to spend less than $50 on this little project.

 

[NYreefNoob]

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1347

http://www.hellolights.com/browseproducts/Plastic-Stand-off-for-T5-Endcaps--PAIR.html

http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1372

 

[bad coffee]

 

[autoponicz]

$50 wont cut it...4 bulbs alone is about 80$

 

[fernandokng]

Whoa. Thanks for the links/pics guys.

Actually, I was thinking less than $50 for just for the parts. I already have some bulbs laying around.

 

[fernandokng]

So is it better to just buy the fixture and wire it to the ballast? any recommendations on what fixtures? links would be helpful. thanks

 

[autoponicz]

parts will run you more than $50 also...lol sorry to say...
and the fixtures will come with a ballast....
i been looking at some t5's for my frag tank also...
and i found that the new style nova extreme with SLR's are the best bang...
comes with bulbs also for 59.99 at aquacave with 4.95 shipping..
well...thats for my 18" at least..

 

[fernandokng]

I'd need something twice as long lol. So I'll assume it'd be 2x as much.