Installing T5 retrofit

PortWash · 12-16-2007, 09:09 PM

I have recently purchased a 4 bulb T5 Icecap retrofit kit. I have seen numerous threads on these setups however I cant figure out how to wire the end caps. I understand what wires need to go where just not the logistics once the wire gets to the endcap. Any instructions or redirects to other posts would be greatly appreciated.

As a background I have a 90g reefready with a 29g tank for a sump with baffles on the way. No water.

**charlie** · 12-17-2007, 12:32 AM

If I remember correctly, they should just push in. I will check into tomorrow for sure.

BinaryReefer · 12-17-2007, 10:49 AM

Yes they just push into the endcap.

**charlie** · 12-17-2007, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BinaryReefer

Yes they just push into the endcap.

Thanx for the help, I haven't wired a retrofit in about 2 years, us oldies need as much assistance as possible.

PortWash · 12-17-2007, 10:56 AM

Ok I tried pushing them in but didnt get them to secure. I will try again tonight knowing that is how its done. Thanks for the help.

BinaryReefer · 12-17-2007, 11:35 AM

How much bare wire did you use? I believe I remove around .5" of shielding.

**charlie** · 12-17-2007, 11:39 AM

That sounds about right!!

PortWash · 12-17-2007, 12:01 PM

Maybe that is where my problem was I only stripped about 1/3 of a inch. What keeps the wire secured in place though? I was looking in the end cap and couldnt firgure out what would hold it in and that is part of the reason that i stopped trying to slip it in. I was thinking that there must be a way to disassemble the end cap then secure the wire in place. I was also hesitent to have too much wire exposed with all I am reading about salt creep.

**Poseidon** · 12-17-2007, 04:44 PM

A half inch is fine, it is held in place by a leaf spring, the wire pushes it back when you insert it, when you try and pull the wire out, the leading edge of the spring 'digs" into the copper, preventing it from coming out. Works GREAT!

12-16-2007, 09:09 PM	#1
PortWash Just Moved In Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 45	Installing T5 retrofit I have recently purchased a 4 bulb T5 Icecap retrofit kit. I have seen numerous threads on these setups however I cant figure out how to wire the end caps. I understand what wires need to go where just not the logistics once the wire gets to the endcap. Any instructions or redirects to other posts would be greatly appreciated. As a background I have a 90g reefready with a 29g tank for a sump with baffles on the way. No water.

12-17-2007, 12:32 AM	#2
charlie Keeper of Willis Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NW Montana Posts: 6,345	Re: Installing T5 retrofit If I remember correctly, they should just push in. I will check into tomorrow for sure. __________________ 400 Gallon Reef Log Rome wasn't built in a day---neither is a reef

12-17-2007, 10:49 AM	#3
BinaryReefer Tenant Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Southern, CA Posts: 53	Re: Installing T5 retrofit Yes they just push into the endcap. __________________ << Click Here To View My Tank Thread >> 60 Cube: SS Lumen Max 2 \| SS Galaxy 400w Ballast \| 400w XM 20k \| 2x Koralia 3 Livestock: A. Ocellaris Mated Pair, Six Line Wrasse, Lemonpeel Angel, Royal Gramma.

12-17-2007, 10:56 AM	#5
PortWash Just Moved In Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 45	Re: Installing T5 retrofit Ok I tried pushing them in but didnt get them to secure. I will try again tonight knowing that is how its done. Thanks for the help.

12-17-2007, 11:35 AM	#6
BinaryReefer Tenant Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Southern, CA Posts: 53	Re: Installing T5 retrofit How much bare wire did you use? I believe I remove around .5" of shielding. __________________ << Click Here To View My Tank Thread >> 60 Cube: SS Lumen Max 2 \| SS Galaxy 400w Ballast \| 400w XM 20k \| 2x Koralia 3 Livestock: A. Ocellaris Mated Pair, Six Line Wrasse, Lemonpeel Angel, Royal Gramma.

12-17-2007, 11:39 AM	#7
charlie Keeper of Willis Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NW Montana Posts: 6,345	Re: Installing T5 retrofit That sounds about right!! __________________ 400 Gallon Reef Log Rome wasn't built in a day---neither is a reef

12-17-2007, 12:01 PM	#8
PortWash Just Moved In Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 45	Re: Installing T5 retrofit Maybe that is where my problem was I only stripped about 1/3 of a inch. What keeps the wire secured in place though? I was looking in the end cap and couldnt firgure out what would hold it in and that is part of the reason that i stopped trying to slip it in. I was thinking that there must be a way to disassemble the end cap then secure the wire in place. I was also hesitent to have too much wire exposed with all I am reading about salt creep.

12-17-2007, 04:44 PM	#9
Poseidon Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Swartz Creek, MI Posts: 6,540	Re: Installing T5 retrofit A half inch is fine, it is held in place by a leaf spring, the wire pushes it back when you insert it, when you try and pull the wire out, the leading edge of the spring 'digs" into the copper, preventing it from coming out. Works GREAT! __________________ Need a Photographer? Just say NO to CRABS Mike

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