A "bright" Idea

[sezra]

Well, a couple of nights ago, I sat watching my fish, the only problem was, my nocturnal species such as my fire eel, S.bichir and pleco don’t venture to far from their hiding places whilst the lights are on. So, I came up with an idea, red light. I purchased 3 cheap night lights (they are round and turn on when pressed in) and a pot of red paint. I thinned the paint down and coated the night light bulbs with a thin layer, and stuck the lights to the wall (they are battery powered so no plugs needed)

now at night I can turn the main lights off, turn the red lights on and my nocturne’s go about their business. Its a whole side of my tank that was never seen before this. I recommend this to anyone who has nocturnal species.

 

[kewskills]

Sounds like a good idea to me however i wonder how long the bulbs will last for with paint on them

 

[Scotty001]

Hi Sezra, you can incorporate Moonlighting kits into most aquarium hoods, and you can make them in a way that they're multi voltage, and on a timer so at a specified tim the main lights go out and the moonlight comes on.
with the multi voltage setup you can change how bright or dull the light is. using blue cold cathode tubes they give off a light affect that mimics moonlight which is healthier for the fish and plants if you have any.

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Yep LED moonlighting is a good way to go. Blue light looks very nice but red light is good also as a lot of fish cant actually see red.

 

[sezra]

Hi Sezra, you can incorporate Moonlighting kits into most aquarium hoods, and you can make them in a way that they're multi voltage, and on a timer so at a specified tim the main lights go out and the moonlight comes on.
with the multi voltage setup you can change how bright or dull the light is. using blue cold cathode tubes they give off a light affect that mimics moonlight which is healthier for the fish and plants if you have any.

I didnt know about that, are they expensive? maybe i should have done some research before making my own... lol. I'll have a look about on the net. thanks.

 

[Scotty001]

I didnt know about that, are they expensive? maybe i should have done some research before making my own... lol. I'll have a look about on the net. thanks.
[/quote]


I built mine for just under £15, you can buy ready made ones from people on ebay but they charge a bit for them, close to £20 - £25. all you will need is a multi voltage plug, can pick these up for a few £ at comet, Curry's Dixon, £stretcher, good deal etc etc, a pair of Cold cathode tubes (Blue) £ 5 - £10 on ebay. they will come with the inverter that is needed. and will also come with a form of Velcro or double sided sticky pad for fixing. also a v small amount of clear tank sealant just to ensure the ends of the cold cathode are water tight.

I bought the 1st one i had and realised how simple it was to make, if you need anymore info let me know.
Scott


Cheap cold cathode on ebay !! Click here


Cheap multi volt plug on ebay Click here

 

[kewskills]

Scotty001 you should do a tutorial and post it

 

[Scotty001]

Scotty001 you should do a tutorial and post it

Not a bad idea think i will Kewskills.

Scott

 

[kewskills]

Scotty001 you should do a tutorial and post it

Not a bad idea think i will Kewskills.

Scott

Cool i look forward to reading it