Need some guidance
- Thread starter Markemark
- Start date
ColaAddict
New member
wow. that looks good. have you tried the national forums to see if they have a build thread there?
Markemark
Active member
The only forum that has it is social reefs. He just posted these pics of it and not sure if he's on there anymore waiting for a response as I see that there's just the 2 power cords that are on the unit now so I am assuming one is for the t5 and one for the LEDs but that's all I can figure out
SkullV
New member
Looks like a pretty simple build. Basically a normal DIY LED, drivers probably sitting on top of the heat sink, cut out the reflector in the middle to fit the heat sink, use the power cord and switch for the center bulbs for the LED drivers instead of the t5 ballast that it is currently connected to.
Lil BamBam
Premium member
Hey Mark,
Hope this one will help you. Was going to do the same but came here ?
http://www.reef2reef.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1040414
T5/LED hybrid build
Hope this one will help you. Was going to do the same but came here ?
http://www.reef2reef.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1040414
T5/LED hybrid build
wld1783
New member
Most of these retros start with a quality heatsink like one from Heatsink USA. Its just a matter of finding one that fits well into the housing
If you can solder you would use thermal adhesive to attach the LEDs or you can use solderless connectors that screw in. After that its easy with the hardest part deciding were to mount the drivers which are small.
Here is an old pic of a similar fixture I did for my tank a few years ago.
Eventually I ditched the T5 to save some $ and went 100% LED
Bill
If you can solder you would use thermal adhesive to attach the LEDs or you can use solderless connectors that screw in. After that its easy with the hardest part deciding were to mount the drivers which are small.
Here is an old pic of a similar fixture I did for my tank a few years ago.
Eventually I ditched the T5 to save some $ and went 100% LED
Bill
Last edited:
Lil BamBam
Premium member
The thread posted above should give you an idea..
Here are some pictures from it
Here are some pictures from it
As far as drivers I'm a fan of the ldd drivers. They're small and cheap. Couple them with the coralux pcb board and it makes it even easier. With ldd they are a 5 volt pwm signal so you can't dim with a knob(unless you convert to 10 volt analog, not sure how I haven't looked). I used a typhon controller for my build. If you want a dimming knob(potentiometer) look into inventronics drivers or meanwell but then you will have multiple plugs. The ldd drivers need one appropriate sized power supply. If you just want to control with the knobs let me know I have a 4 pot dimmer I can give you. Ldd drivers can run up to 16 3 watt leds per driver. I bought my stuff through ledgroupbuy.com. Here's a pic of the dimmer if you want it.View attachment 1020and here is a picture of my driversView attachment 1021
wld1783
New member
The LDD Drivers are sweet. I would of used them but I run an APEX which is 1-10VDC Analog.
Inventronics offers a great alternative.
Your options are endless...
Bill
Markemark
Active member
The thread posted above should give you an idea..
Here are some pictures from it
Dre did you ever get around to doing this to ur tek. And by the way how's the weather out there
wld1783
New member
Its simple...The LEDs are + to - so if you can put the batteries into a flashlight the right way you have the skill set needed to connect LEDs (AKA light bulbs) the right way.
Just take it step by step. There are a lot of online how to you tubes.
Google Meanwell LDD Drivers and you will find numerous vendors.
Just plan out your controller. The LDD needs PWM. The APEX and ReefKeeper are analog 1-10VDC control. If you dont have a controller, the Inventronics or Thompson Research is a better choice as you can simply attach a potientiometer without a powersupply for manual dimming until you obtain a controller.
Bill