DIY Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Strip Light Retrofit

cfls dont generally produce that much heat. but i guess that would depend on what wattage you get. for the vent issue, find a hole saw the same size as either a 60 or 80mm case fan and install one on each side, one blowing in and one blowing out.

oops, a bit late. had problems with my wireless connection :pc::swear::wall:
 
Well finally got off my chair and got to work. Looks great. They seem to be running cooler than the lights I pulled out. They've been running for a few hours now, and there is very isolated warm spots, and I can touch the bulbs. It does look like I'm going to have to build a box, or find smaller CFLs since the 26 watts I got where parially under water, and I had to pull water out of the tank, but it'll work for now. Up to 2 wpg now, and the visible light increase is crazy, no more shadowy back corner. Thanks again for posting this.
 
Haven't had any problems with my plastic... Retrofit doing great btw!
 
do i need the starter from the strip light? I know the CFL bulbs are self ballasted but do I need the starter.
thanks to all for posting info.
 
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