T5 LED Hybrid build, need help!

[Arce]

So i currently have a reefbreeders value fixture over my 29g standard reef. I'm looking to upgrade to a 24" x2 T5 + LED hybrid. I'm looking to find the most cost effective method, as i cannot justify spending nearly $1k for a fixture. I had a DIY LED fixture when i started in the hobby two years ago, but my knowledge of LEDs is minimal so i need a lot of feedback.

 

So far I've decided to use the T5 retrofit kit from BRS and a 20"x6" or 20"x4" heatsink from Heatsink USA.

 

So my questions...

 

1) With 2x24w T5's how many LEDs should i use. (SPS)

 

2) Should i use Blue+ for the T5s or Coral+,depending on the bulb choice should i use more white LEDS or a 1:1 ratio blue/white.

 

3) Depending on the Ratio of LEDS, how many and which drivers should i use? Must be dimmable.

 

4) Unless i can find a 24" TEK to gut apart, what should i do about the housing of the fixture?

 

I'm hoping to have this build started within the month, need to finish planning first. Hoping to get some good feedback.

 

[bdevillier19]

or you could build a fixture off of the value fixture you already have and mount the t5 retro to the sides. then just enclose the whole thing and make a floating canopy.

[Arce]

or you could build a fixture off of the value fixture you already have and mount the t5 retro to the sides. then just enclose the whole thing and make a floating canopy.

Thats not a bad idea, only problem i see with that is that the reefbreeders is approx. 8" wide and my tanks a standard 29 which is 12" wide. Would this +/- 4" be enough room to put two T5s without going wider than the tank?

[jedimasterben]

Depends on why you want the T5 bulbs. If you want them for extra color, then you'll want to focus as much of that into the tank that you can. If they're just for light spread, then having them on the outside of your current light is fine, they'll still fill the tank with light.