Inexpensive Hanging T5HO

[tuffgong]

Thanks for sharing Hyzer. I'm going to probably try one of these myself.

[Hilde]

Originally Posted by Hyzer

Wow!! This is what I need for my 29 gallon tank. Looks like it would work for my low tech tank and still grow a lilly plant. Cheapest good light I have seen. Another good point is, from what I read, that the T5HO bulbs last longer than any other bulbs. Bulbs for 24 in can be found locally. T5 24 in fixture in HomeDepot doesn't have replacement bulbs. How high is the light from the substrate?

[Hilde]

Originally Posted by Hyzer

I visited a local hydroponics shop and found a 24" T5HO fixture. The best part about this lighting setup is how simple it is to adjust the height.

What parts make the light adjustable? Did the part come with the light fixture?

[Hyzer]

How high is the light from the substrate?

After some recent adjustment, 27".

What parts make the light adjustable? Did the part come with the light fixture?

I am using coated wire with some screw in fasteners. I don't know exactly the name for this setup at the hardware store, so a pic is included. A chain would work as well.

Everything below the wire came with the light fixture.


I made some changes to the tank recently which I will post in my low tech journal.

[vstone]

beast dude, Im going to use this light as well. thanks

[Hilde]

I have suggestion some to do what you are doing. Many say T5HO is a bad idea. So any algae problems?

[Hyzer]

I have suggestion some to do what you are doing. Many say T5HO is a bad idea. So any algae problems?

The problem with suggesting T5HOs to some people is that they may not know how high you actually need to mount it in order to get lowish intensity.

No algae problems with this tank. Even without all the salvinia, I wasn't having any major algae issues. Its actually extremely easy to care for this tank as I only top it off and clean the sponge every few weeks. Nutrients come from fish poop and osmocote-cicles.

The only problem I have with this setup is the wattage being used. I'm using 24 watts when I could be getting it done with less, closer to the top of the tank. You can see how high I've raised it. A bit wasteful when compared to T5NO or LEDs.

[cblwry]

This is just too cool. Good job!!

[HD Blazingwolf]

thanks for the link to this hilde and guys if you can't find it. they have a website
http://www.hydrofarm.com/pb_detail.php?itemid=6706
http://www.hydrofarm.com/pb_detail.php?itemid=8880
also they have a dealer locator to help you find where to buy

[wkndracer]

Originally Posted by Crispino Ramos

How do you make sure that the light will be hanging in the right position in relation to the tank?

Originally Posted by msnikkistar

I think doing it in the wall is a little less difficult then the ceiling.

What I would do myself is hang a string with some weight on the bottom to the edges of the tank. Make a small mark on the ceiling where this is. Then mark the middle of that measurement Then measure from the wall to where ever the hole in the light fixture for the cable or chain is, and measure that from the ceiling. Last step for me when then be finding out where the whole is from the side of the tank. Mark that on the ceiling, and find the meeting points and mark. That's just me though.

'Plumb Bob' = Exact transfer of point to point line center from ceiling to tank top.
(You can Google it) Tanks on the left (excuse the mess plz)


Sun Blaze hydro 54WT5HO $55.00
Price saving and great reflectors. Fixtures just aren't as fancy. Good value though.

[jcgd]

Originally Posted by msnikkistar

I think doing it in the wall is a little less difficult then the ceiling.

What I would do myself is hang a string with some weight on the bottom to the edges of the tank. Make a small mark on the ceiling where this is. Then mark the middle of that measurement Then measure from the wall to where ever the hole in the light fixture for the cable or chain is, and measure that from the ceiling. Last step for me when then be finding out where the whole is from the side of the tank. Mark that on the ceiling, and find the meeting points and mark. That's just me though.

This is the way to do it. I call the device a plumb bob. Pretty much a pointed weight on a string.

You could also set the fixture on the tank in the position you wanted and hang the bob exactly over the hooks or screw holes and mark that on the ceiling. But if you have the tank on an angle from the wall, your fixture will be too.

[Hilde]

Originally Posted by msnikkistar

I think doing it in the wall is a little less difficult then the ceiling.

I second that! For having neck problems I wouldn't want to have to bend my neck to get holes drilled and hang the light.

Perhaps that is why most hand it from the ceiling or anchor a device to the stand to hang it.