wiring your own T5 fixture

[somenewguy]

I would like to know what others have done in wiring their own T5 fixtures for custom applications.
Would like to make a nice fixture that would cover the top of my cloner and be able to put in a cabinet and other enclosure.

The wiring part doesn't bother me, the commercial units I have seen utilize cooling fans are they needed?
I am sold on their use as they are BRITE!

[salmayo]

I use 4" 12 Volt Computer/Electronics fans on my Digital/Electronic ballasts, including for my T5 HO Ballasts.

I also use venting fans on my lighting fixtures/hoods and grow spaces.

I could get awa with not using them, but ballast life might suffer and I know the plants produce less when heat stressed.

You can get light weight nylon 2 foot and 4 foot long 2 foot wide light diffuser panels for fluorescent ceiling fixtures, to use as heat shields. They can be used to make lower temperature fluorescent type air cooled hoods. They can be cut, but are britle and it's sort of like cutting/breaking glass panels.

T5's and especially T5 HO's will burn plants unlike most T12's, so fans and diffuser panels/shields are a good idea.

Take Care, Sal.

[green girl]

We make all our fixtures with T8s mounted to wood. Fans are separate. You can even go as far as to put the fixture below the wood and the ballast above for heat issues.

The T5 fixtures I've seen are beautiful but expensive! And much lighter without the wood.

[somenewguy]

I use 4" 12 Volt Computer/Electronics fans on my Digital/Electronic ballasts, including for my T5 HO Ballasts.

I also use venting fans on my lighting fixtures/hoods and grow spaces.

I could get awa with not using them, but ballast life might suffer and I know the plants produce less when heat stressed.

You can get light weight nylon 2 foot and 4 foot long 2 foot wide light diffuser panels for fluorescent ceiling fixtures, to use as heat shields. They can be used to make lower temperature fluorescent type air cooled hoods. They can be cut, but are britle and it's sort of like cutting/breaking glass panels.

T5's and especially T5 HO's will burn plants unlike most T12's, so fans and diffuser panels/shields are a good idea.

Take Care, Sal.



Very good information.
I may have to look into a visit with a friend that has a sheet metal brake and see about making a custom fixture.
Bulbs are closely priced so I'd assume put as long of a bulb as possible within the size constraints.

I had to get a couple a 2 foot fixtures to get adequate light on a small project.
I am amazed how brite they are.

I need to educate myself a bit on component supplies and suppliers.
The t12 I used to use are a pale comparrison!