DIY NANO LIGHTING FIXTURE

[onux20]

I want to add some Chaeto, or other macro algae, to the center compartment on my Solana. I have seen some folks rig a small PC bulb and DIY reflector on the back of their tank for a light source. Not sure how many watts are required to support growth. Can anyone share plans or ideas on how to accomplish this?

 

Thanks.

Ron

[Brian Ward]

I want to add some Chaeto, or other macro algae, to the center compartment on my Solana. I have seen some folks rig a small PC bulb and DIY reflector on the back of their tank for a light source. Not sure how many watts are required to support growth. Can anyone share plans or ideas on how to accomplish this?

 

Thanks.

Ron

 

Here's what I did on my BC 29:

 

Use a razor blade to scrape the paint off the back glass.

 

mount a flourescent twist bulb in an electrical box

 

Drill the back of the box for ventilation, use green scrubby material to seal the light off

 

use alumnium foil as a reflector

 

use velcro to stick it to the back of the tank. I think there are some pics in my thread in the dedicated tank forum.

[jason the filter freak]

I have a full diy kit, reflector, light socket, and bulb and it can all be yours for a frag or two, I'll give you the cheato for free too!

[onux20]

I have a full diy kit, reflector, light socket, and bulb and it can all be yours for a frag or two, I'll give you the cheato for free too!

Jason, I just got started and dont have anything to frag. But I will gladly pay you a sum of money for the kit. Let me know.

Ron

 

 

Here's what I did on my BC 29:

 

Use a razor blade to scrape the paint off the back glass.

 

mount a flourescent twist bulb in an electrical box

 

Drill the back of the box for ventilation, use green scrubby material to seal the light off

 

use alumnium foil as a reflector

 

use velcro to stick it to the back of the tank. I think there are some pics in my thread in the dedicated tank forum.

Brian

Thanks for the info. You always provide great informative posts.

Ron

Edited May 23, 2008 by onux20

[onux20]

This is Brian Ward

[Brian Ward]

Looks good! It's the same design I copied from a guy on nano-reef. The only thing I did different is the light socket I used was plastic. I'd recommend changing that to a plastic one. The salt creep can bridge the connection between the electrical socket and the fixture and you may get electrocuted. I actually took the socket out of a clip-on light and used that. Good job, hope it works out for you.