Retro-ing an old fixture....

[Chris]

I have a couple fixtures I am thinking about using in my new retro lighting for my 180 and had a couple quick questions....

1. Obviously since they were in a fixture do I need to do anything more then jut cut the old endcaps off and add new waterproof ones on??... is this safe?

2. I think I may need to extend some of the wires to fit them how I want (side by side long ways to go 72" instead of front to back like they were in the fixture for 36"), can I use the 18awg wire I will need to get for my workhourse 7 or should I use the 20 that is currently attatched from the fixture and add 20 for any length I may need to add?

Also, Both are 36" fixtures, I would like to know if it is ok and safe/ok to convert one of them into a 24" retro for another tank I am working on??

Any help will be appreciated, thank you in advance

[Tom@HaslettMI]

So, let me see if I understand the question(s)... Overall you're planning to remove the guts from a fixture or two and mount them in a canopy? You should be fine cutting/adding wire but I would recommend sticking with the same guage wire. In fact, you should extend the wires enough to have the ballasts mounted safely away from any saltwater.

HTH,
Tom

[Chris]

Yup, thats pretty much the plan Tom... but not really going in a canopy, more of a board suspended over the tank like a hanging fixture tho. Was planning to build an open box or atleast use some quarter round trim for an area to hold them in yet allow air movement around all the ballasts on top of the board.

[schminksbro]

I retro fit T5s in an old PC fixture without any problems. Ran it on my tank for a couple of years. The only consideration is whether or not the reflectors are any good. Most cheaper fixtures have all in one reflectors that are pretty inefficient. Other than that no problem.

[Chris]

Originally Posted by schminksbro

I retro fit T5s in an old PC fixture without any problems. Ran it on my tank for a couple of years. The only consideration is whether or not the reflectors are any good. Most cheaper fixtures have all in one reflectors that are pretty inefficient. Other than that no problem.

Reflectors in the one Ive already ripped apart was basically a super thin piece of plastic like paper with a silver coating.... was already planning on using new reflectors on my new board/ "fixture" before I ripped it apart anyways .

Sounds like I shouldn't have any problems, thanks for the help guys