Lighting...

[LoachLover!]

Got myself a beautiful black delta (probably incorrect terminology!) betta today for the 25 litre I've got.  
 
I also got myself another small nano, which has LEDs and is making me realise how awful the halogen light looks in the other! So, I am looking at options for the older tank lighting wise.  I have seen these strips...
 
http/www.swelluk.com/tmc-aquawhite-flexi-led/?gclid=CjwKEAjwxeq9BRDDh4_MheOnvAESJABZ4VTqCVAshcJ6yYy9MUVCf4Fg7ytEV5WkZKI6VPBEpF_vvRoCi6bw_wcB
 
Theoretically I could add these to the hood? How long do they tend to be?  I don't know if this in addition to the halogen would create an odd looking kind of light? I don't really want to go lidless incase the betta jumps out..
 
 
Or should I explore cutting a space in the hood and moving an LED so it covers the gap? 
 
Any input much appreciated  

 

[ZephyrStarPlaties]

I think you could definitely use those. The strips I've seen can be cut to a custom length, but I'm not sure about this brand.

 

[LoachLover!]

I will have to look out for some that can be cut .. Those will be too long as they come and there is no mention of cutting them down! Will keep looking!!

 

[LoachLover!]

Presumably something like this would be ok...
 
http/www.maplin.co.uk/p/warm-white-12v-ip65-5cm-led-strip-n91na

 

[ZephyrStarPlaties]

Yeah, those look good!

 

[LoachLover!]

Yeah, those look good!

 
Probably a stupid question, but how do they connect to the mains? Or do they not? If so, can you turn them off? I am probably just being massively thick haha 

 

[StevenF]

 
 
Probably a stupid question, but how do they connect to the mains? Or do they not? If so, can you turn them off? I am probably just being massively thick haha 

The strip is powered by 12V DC or 24VDC.  So you plug int the power supply to the outlet at the wall and then run 2 wires from the power supply to the end of the strip where it either clips on or a solder connection is made.  To turn them off simply unplug them or flip a switch on the power supply.
 
For strips like these all connections or exposed metal should be coated with silicone rubber to prevent corrosion.  Quality of low cost strip lights can very greatly from company to company.  Color temperature and Color Rendering Index (an indirect measurement of the spectrum with 90 - 100 being the best), and brightness will very quite a bit.  High quality strips are available but hey are not cheep, can be hard to find, and may not be available in a waterproof version.  I have never seen these so I cannot say if they are good or not.
 

 
Presumably something like this would be ok...
 
http/www.maplin.co...led-strip-n91na

Those strips are listed as warm white which means the color temperature will be between 2700K to 3000K.  They will probably produce a yellow light.