Submersible Lighting?

[CezzaXV]

Hey everyone!

I'm looking to set up a shrimp tank soon, and I've started thinking of what kind of design I'm going for. My main tank is a really beautiful, natural aquascape, so I'm aiming for something very different with my main tank. I'm getting a human skull ornament basically and making it look as spooky as possible. I had the idea of putting coloured lighting inside the skull to come out of the eyes and mouth. Not decided whether to go for red or green yet. I'm considering the possibility of having both so I can have whichever one my mood dictates, but I'm concerned about being able to fit two lighting units inside the skull. I'm also having difficulty finding the units themselves.

The only brand I've found so far is a Marina one, which seems kinda expensive considering the fact that (I believe) you need to buy a light and a power unit separately, and the unit appears quite big. I think I'd struggle to have one inside the skull, let alone two. I'm not really looking for anything fancy, just a few LEDs to put inside the skull. I've had bad experience with cheap Chinese technology from eBay in the past so not sure I trust something that's meant to go underwater.

Does anyone here use submersible lighting and/or have any tips on what to go for?

I wouldnt mind going down the DIY route but I suspect that might not be the best idea if it's to be submersible.

 

[DrRob]

Hydor do underwater LED stuff, but I've not used it.

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

Arcadia do a submersible LED that is smaller than the Marina one. Also you don't have to buy the Marina light and power unit separately. You can buy a marina light with power adapter for like £13 or you can buy the marina light (no power adapter) for about £6 and the 3 light connector (which is a power unit) for I think...£11

I've been looking at this myself to try and add a bit of light to my tank. I've just bought two of the marinas and the 3 light connector and it is good for spot or "mood" lighting. I'm planning on trying out some pics tonight so I'll let you know how I get on but since this is a shrimp tank I'm guessing the size of this skull is pretty small so you may be better off with the arcadia ones but they are a little more expensive.

 

[CezzaXV]

Ah, I see. I've only ever seen the lights and power units sold separately and it seemed a rip off. Didnt know you could buy them together.

The Arcadia ones look good. I see they do a colour changing one but I've seen a video and it changes too quickly and it looks kinda naff, which is a shame because it'd be ideal otherwise.

I was trying to get a full size human skull but they were surprisingly difficult to come by. The one I ended up going for was 17 x 14 x 12 cm. This is it: http/www.ebay.co.u...#ht_2827wt_1037

I didn't want one with a hollow bottom because I want to have it slightly on its side rather than upright. It's only just occurred to me that I may have difficulty getting a light inside because of that reason

I guess I could always cut a hole in the bottom if it wouldn't fit through the eyes.

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

lol this is true. I have to say I am thrilled with the way my marina lights look and if your skull is hooman sized then it will probably fit!

My betta seems to have decided these spotlights are for him and he keeps just going and sitting under the beam - showboat....

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

I've just got the white ones and obviously how I set the exposure on my camera changes how it looks - but - I am quite happy with this. And the fish seem pretty entertained by it too! They keep moving into the beam and sitting there lol. Oh, and these aren't submersed they are just sitting on top of my condensation shield.

EDIT: The first picture has a non-aquatic LED light bar across the middle.

 

[CezzaXV]

Thanks for those pics, AlmostAwesome, they were nice to see.

Question: Say I were to go for something like this (the choice of colours and remote control are attractive to me) would it be safe to keep the LED strip wound up inside the skull or does it really need to be out straight? It's only 50cm so it's not terribly long.

http/www.amazon.co.uk/Changing-Controlled-Lighting-Aquarium-Waterproof/dp/B005VAWKAM/ref=pd_cp_light_0

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

Hmmm I'm certainly no expert but after having a read of the description myself I think it should be fine! Good find!

 

[CezzaXV]

Anyone else?

Would be nice to have a second opinion to make sure.

 

[Applecart]

There are plenty or waterproof ( clear rubber encapsulated ) white and coloured LED strips on that well known online auction site. So long as your CONNECTOR to your 12v adapter/power supply is outside the tank and well clear of any water I can't see any problem.
I have 4x 12 inch strips ( 30cm ) and they have a decent length power cord on them.
They where originally meant for automotive use. I got mine for £5 per pair of 12 inch strips.

It's just a thought, I'm not saying this is your definate solution.

 

[CezzaXV]

Thanks. Tbh I'm having my doubts on that set over what exactly is the waterproof section of the unit. If I go for that one, I'm considering getting some see through piping and some aquarium silicone and seeing if I can make it its own little waterproof capsule to set my mind at rest.

I've had a look at LED lights on eBay and I've found these items:
http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Aquarium-24-LED-Light-Moonlight-Strip-Fish-Tank-vehicle-CAR-Red-Waterproof-/190602162780?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item2c60c6325c#ht_3958wt_1139
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220791865099&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT#ht_2631wt_1270

Hopefully you can answer this for me Applecart - is it a simple case of connecting the bare wires on the LED cable to the bare wires that come with the power cable?

Although the choice of colours is less, I'm really not convinced enough by that Amazon one to have it submerged.

 

[Applecart]

Hopefully you can answer this for me Applecart - is it a simple case of connecting the bare wires on the LED cable to the bare wires that come with the power cable?

YES... BUT YOU MUST USE ADHESIVE LINED HEATSHRINK Like ->>> THIS ( but check the diameter you'd need to order ) over the soldered wires if you think the joint will be under water, that'll make it waterproof if you have the heatshrink sleeve extend maybe an inch either side of your joint )
If the joint is definately above water, you can use regular heatshrink once you've joined the wires ( solder or just twist, it's up to you, but soldering is better )

 

[shrimply]

I agree, although these things say they are waterproof, the aren't designed to be submersed, so I'd be careful.

The other thing is they can be quite bright, I guess you can cut them down till you get the right effect or fit a dimmer switch.

 

[CezzaXV]

Okie dokie, will look into that option.

99% sure the joint will be above water. Is the heatshrink absolutely necessary in that case or can I just wrap some insulation tape around it?

 

[shrimply]

When I've done it, though never for fish tank use, i've just used terminal blocks