Nano Customs hybrid LED + T5 lighting fixture
19 Comments
Nano Customs might be releasing a new T5/LED light for nano aquariums or at least playing with the idea. This prototype light fixture is milled out of billet 6061 with a integrated passive heatsink & active cooling system for the T5s. The actual T5s are 20 watts each (you’ll get two of them) plus 10 PAR38 (5 on each side) MCPCBs in the fixture which comes out to 12″ x 6.5″ x 1.5″ which is a great size for nano aquariums. “These are built to order, we are planning on making them available in the full range of anodized colors.” No price or lead time yet so we will have to stay tuned for more although we would love to see these become available in black. We can expect to see this concept fixture demoed at ReefStock where you can be certain that we will get plenty of hands on time with it.
I tell ya, Chris can’t keep a secret to save his life. lol
March 8th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Lol. What i would really like to see is what guys like Jake, Scott & Ryan can come up with and see if we can machine it. Although 6061 isnt cake to cut, the possibilities are endless.
I am far from a designer, so i don’t find the fixture that sexy. I’d love to see what someone with some real talent can do.
Chris
March 8th, 2010 at 2:57 pm
Chris and Clive, I have some crazy ideas for LED implementation. I’ll tell you all about it at ReefStock for sure.
March 8th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Bring it on!
March 8th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Price it around 3-400 and i’m totally in guys! Where do you get those mini t5 bulbs though? I love the giant fan in the middle, too.
March 8th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Did I read that right? 10 PAR38 in one fixture!
Looks like I am going to have to place an order for an anodized purple fixture
While there be custom engraving options too?
March 8th, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Did I read that right? 10 PAR38 in one fixture!
Looks like I am going to have to place an order for an anodized purple fixture
Will there be custom engraving options too?
March 8th, 2010 at 5:19 pm
@MikeL- this hybrid fixture has 2 Par38 PCBs with a total of 10 LEDs each.
March 8th, 2010 at 5:33 pm
Ohhhh! Thanks Jake. I guess I am getting a little ahead of myself.
March 8th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
The UVL 10.5″ and 16.5″ T5s are T5R-VHO.
T5R = internal opaque reflector
VHO= Very High Output.
We have been working with UVL since MACNA 09 on these new, smaller format T5s. We asked for small T5 HOs and they delivered T5R-VHO. They said that with such a small footprint, it made the most sense to run an internal reflector. Works for me!
These badboys are rated at 20w in the 10.5″ and 30w in the 16.5″ size.
Lastly, the UVL small bulbs will be available as an exclusive at Nanotuners/Nanocustoms. I’m sure in time, the big boys will be trying to pick them up too.
The pricing should be right around the 349 level. I am going to price it as low as we can go.
Custom engraving options will also be available at a nominal charge.
Chris
March 8th, 2010 at 6:55 pm
Another great product from Nanocustoms!!!! One just can’t lose with nanocustoms!!!! Congrats Chris and team!!!!
March 8th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
Wow Chris,
Looks like a real winner! If you incorporate some type of attachment for suspending this light from a little light stand, you could make a pretty sexy little nano light package a la’ the ADA lighting systems. Lots of potential for this little light! Great work!
March 8th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Just wait till you see what else we are bringing to Reefstock
March 9th, 2010 at 6:41 am
Is there a time frame for when these will be available??
March 9th, 2010 at 11:20 am
Its really about the T5s coming in and the thing testing well enough for us to release it. When running T5s at VHO levels, air temp is CRITICAL.
1.00 is already on done being Beadblasted and I am going to be taking it to the anodizer today. Black it is. Satin Black.
I am already working on 1.01, which will feature less mass and improved airflow.
The beauty the rapid development program here at Nanocustoms is that we have years of experience keeping small lighting systems cool. Now, we take that 6 years of experience and try to add value to our products via our new manufacturing methods.
Its a great time to be in the hobby.
Chris
March 9th, 2010 at 11:45 am
So i lied. After picking it up from the beadblaster, seeing it in satin aluminum (unanodized) we are going to show it in its raw aluminum beauty.
Sorry Jake. When we make one for you we will color it up however you want.
Chris
March 9th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Oh Chris I was actually thinking a couple days ago how I have so many black fixtures already, it would be nice to get one in silver or unfinished. I think your Unibody light fixture is the perfect match for the raw metal appearance.
March 9th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Just how much light do you anticipate this fixture to throw?
March 10th, 2010 at 2:30 am
The LEDs will most likely be the primary lighting source, so it will depend on the drive current and optics used (if used). The T5s will be used 90% of the time as supplimentals, but with the right bulbs, you could add more PAR if needed.
With the two MCPCBs and no optics driven at 1000mA, you should be able to get about 150W MH levels on tanks up to about 18″ deep. Not sure on overall coverage just yet. We still have a lot of testing to do.
March 10th, 2010 at 9:53 am