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View Full Version : my latest contraption



nvision
02-25-2003, 10:43 PM
link to pics below.

ok, i finally broke down and upgraded my lighting. i've been running a few types of low maintenance plants under a halogen light will very good results, but i didn't dig the yellowish hue coming off from the halogen. why halogen? it was for decor, but that's another story. :)

anyway, i bought a compact florescent hood with twin 65w 10,000k builbs to replace it. wow, the light output and color is extraordinary! i knew i only need just one bulb, but having a second wouldn't be bad when it comes time to upgrade. however, even just the single 65w is too bright for my 20g. but i thought that should be ok since i plan to leave my tank as open-top and to suspend the hood at a distance from the top.

so what's next, i went to home depot and stood there staring at the pvc aisle, thinking of a way to make a "rack" for the hood fixture. here is what i've come up with, (http://www.jaudesign.com/misc/cf_lighting.jpg) along with the rest of the tank pics.

this is my first experience with compact flourescents, they are simply incredible. i think the higher price really justifies the kind of light intensity and color this technology puts out. looks like i will have to dig out my co2 cylinder from the storage room. :D

p.s., that rack is holding up nicely.

Sumpin'fishy
02-25-2003, 11:29 PM
Turned out looking excellent! I really like your tank.

nvision
02-26-2003, 1:38 AM
hey thanks.

i'm really liking the flourescent. now my glowlight really "glows", and the pair of angelfish is finally coming out and looking much happier. for some reason those two didn't respond too well to the halogen bulb. they used to linger at the back and not do much. now they're mingling nicely with the tetras, thinking the sun has finally come out!

nvision
03-03-2003, 1:49 AM
here are other recent pics, including some fish and shrimp shots.

http://www.jaudesign.com/aquaria/20g.htm

hope you enjoy.

Tempest
03-03-2003, 5:50 AM
Really nice!!!

BluEyes
03-03-2003, 12:39 PM
I am so jealous

*drool*

ROYWS3
03-03-2003, 5:50 PM
Thats a pretty ingenious idea. . . I really liked the way you worked that out. Is it stable ie. it's not going to fall into the tank or behind it etc? I really like the look of the driftwood and plants breaking the surface. Nice job!!
ROY

kveeti
03-03-2003, 6:34 PM
You should get it patented. Contraption aside, that is a gorgeous looking tank. Absolutely beautiful!

nvision
03-04-2003, 1:29 AM
patent? haha, thanks for the encouragement! i did it out of fun and for a bit of personal satisfaction.

anyway, yes, the stand is pretty sturdy and not prone at all to shaking. the light fixture rests securely (by weight) and has rubber pads to keep it from sliding. i haven't found any fish jumping out from the tank either, and i don't expect them to. i don't usually see small tetras jump. angels? i don't think they can even if they try. shrimps? yeah sure, if you place them on a frying pan and watch'em pop...

thanks for all the comments, everyone!