6 Bulb IceCap T-5 Retro Pendant

Hey all,

I have been working on a DIY build that I figured some may get some ideas from it. I am building a 6 bulb IceCap T-5 fixture. The fixture will be mounted within my canopy with the ability to raise and lower the fixture within the canopy for easy feeding. It is not finished yet but here is my progress so far:

Parts Used (for fixture):
16' 1.5" 90 degree angle aluminum
24 1" SS bolts and nylock nuts (for mounting the standoffs)
1/4" aluminum rivets
20' 1/2" cable sleeve
Zip Ties (of course)

Electrical:
2 IceCap 660-009 ballasts
2 IC660 wiring harnesses
12 T-5 Standoffs
12 T-5 Waterproof Endcaps
6 T-5 HO bulbs (2 Actinic, 1 Fiji Purple, 3 White)

Tools Needed:
Small Crescent Wrench
Screwdrivers
Rivet Gun (manual one works fine)
Hack Saw
Hammer (or large tool of any sort that you can pound with)
Scrap board or Table Corner to use as a bending jig...

Step One:
Build the ends of the fixture. Mount the standoffs to the angle aluminum using the SS bolts and nuts. You will need to remove the end bolt for mounting the front and back aluminum to complete the frame. Be sure to put the notch in the standoffs on the inside of the angle to allow you to run the wires easily. By looking at my pictures you'll see the space I left for mounting the Neptune moonlight kit.

Step Two:
Cut and attach the front and back pieces to complete the frame. You will see the way I cut the notch out for the wiring as well as where to do the bends to complete the frame and make it strong. In the end the frame dimensions of mine are 16 1/2" X 47 1/4". This may differ if you want the moonlight mount or not.

Step Three:
Determine how you want the system configured and run the wires. I chose a 2 actinic/4 daylight design. Figure out the placement of the actinic bulbs and mark the location. Run the wires according to the IC660 (or whatever ballast you use) wiring diagrams. The 4 bulb setup is marked on the ballast. The 2 bulb configuration is available direct from IceCap.

Step Four:
Attach the end caps and lock them in place. Pay close attention to where the wires are running or the fixture can be difficult to lock into the standoffs. Attach a set of bulbs and the Ballasts so the wiring can be tested

Step Five:
Finish To Do List:
1. Figure out mounting options for the fixture
2. Mount it to the canopy
3. Figure out the cooling fan options for canopy ventilation

Pictures (what you all have been waiting for!):















More will come with the finished project along with pictures of it mounted on the tank. Stay Tuned!

Curtis

Looking good.

NICE !! so the next ? being you covered the pics, is what is the $ so far on that project? is it worth doing a DIY verses buying a new complete one.

what are the reflectors going to be?

Well first things first... Building your own adds much more flexibility in where you want the placement of the bulbs and addition of moonlights etc. It's also about the sense of accomplishment you get for building something yourself

Now on to the $$$, honestly it hasn't been all that bad. I purchased it used from Reef Central as a kit with bulbs. The bulbs are 4 months old so they have about 1/3 of their life gone already. Total price is probably around $300 - $350. I had all the tools so there was zero cost there. The metal was purchased from Lowes and the bolts and wire wrap were purchased at Fastenal in bulk. Unmounted with new bulbs is around $600 + Shipping... I think I am ahead of the game so far...

IceCap SLR reflectors will be mounted as soon as the mounting options are decided upon and built into the fixture. The lights have been removed after the test fire so the build portion can be completed first.

Curtis

nice job on light, im excited to see how the reflectors mount in there. How many gallon tank is it going on and how deep?

The reflectors clip right onto the bulbs so they are at the perfect height for best light intensity and spread.

It is going to be mounted on a standard 75G tank inside an oak canopy. I believe I'll be able to hang it within 4 inches of the surface of the water but I'll probably have to lower it slowly. This will be almost double the light I currently have.

Tek 4 bulb T-5 HO runs at 216W total
IC660 6 bulb T-5 VHO runs at approximately 384 I believe

How's this build coming? Are you able to lower the bulbs that close to the water? Do you have problems with salt creep?

Life and summer happened to this build... I am further along but it is not mounted yet. The canopy is painted, the hangers are attached, but I need to finish the cooling and wiring then I'll post more pics.

Yes I'll say it... I have been slacking a bit...

That is a good looking lamp you've built. Can't wait to see it in action.

Maybe I'll find time this week to try finish it up or at least update with some new photos... It has been painful these past few weeks/months for finding time...

Thanks for the compliments.