Question on SunBlaze T5 fixtures

[AeroManT5]

If someone out there has SunBlaze T5 fixtures (I'm looking at the 8 bulb 48" model), I would really appreciate knowing how difficult it would be to remove the back and reflectors to expose the bulbs from two sides?

Ideally for my application, I would like to have just the eight bulbs standing alone within the two foot by four foot frame.

With the SunBlaze, to get to that point, would it be a matter of simply unscrewing backing and reflectors, or is there something about the design of the fixture that would make this difficult or impossible.

Ideally, would like to be able to do this without voiding warranty, though I am open to that possibility, too.

I am trying to weigh the option of buying and modifying a fixture for my project, or buying ballast, sockets, and bulbs and making my own fixture.

Thanks in advance!

AeroManT5 Reviewed by AeroManT5 on 03-11-2010. Question on SunBlaze T5 fixtures If someone out there has SunBlaze T5 fixtures (I'm looking at the 8 bulb 48" model), I would really appreciate knowing how difficult it would be to remove the back and reflectors to expose the bulbs from two sides? Ideally for my application, I would like to have just the eight bulbs standing alone within the two foot by four foot frame. With the SunBlaze, to get to that point, would it be a matter of simply unscrewing backing and reflectors, or is there something about the design of the Rating: 5

[khyberkitsune]

The sunblaze fixtures are identical to the HTG T5s I have - you can pull the reflector off, but the back panel generally holds the tube mounts in place, so I'm not sure if you could remove it.

I've pulled the reflector off so I could mount the T5 unit to a wall, then reinstalled the reflector and run tubes like that.

It wouldn't hurt to pull the reflector off and look inside, I doubt very much that will void your warranty. Cracking the paint around the back panel and the side frame might be a warranty-voider, though, as an obvious sign of user-servicing.

[AeroManT5]

Thanks a lot, khyberkitsune. You confirm my suspicions. I'm thinking that playing around with the back is not so good an idea.

BTW, looks like a very nice setup you have going there. Nice pic. Must have been tricky getting that camera shot

[khyberkitsune]

Thanks a lot, khyberkitsune. You confirm my suspicions. I'm thinking that playing around with the back is not so good an idea.

BTW, looks like a very nice setup you have going there. Nice pic. Must have been tricky getting that camera shot

That's an old setup - I've moved to more energy-efficient setups (no more HIDs until I get my special design down) but it's still quite often used as a reference for T5 owners when I have to discuss alternative mounting methods.

Getting the shot wasn't tricky, at that time I made sure I had room to walk in on either side. The tricky part was catching it as the lights came on, so I could get the HPS without the flicker. I don't use an alarm clock, I run by my own schedule.