Cold Cathode?

sandwich

sandwich

hey, sweet!
Sep 19, 2004
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boston
Has anyone considered using cold cathode computer lights as a means of normal lighting?

I just set up my 40 gallon long tank, freshwater with plants (3) and tropical fish, and I need a new light fixture. I have a hood, etc., etc., but no light. Right now, I'm using a hardware store shop light, and it's resting on the bulb and hood. Needless to say I'm not very comfortable with it.

My options are to buck up and pay the ~$60 for the real thing, buy a different shop light with better bulbs and try to make that work, or build something out of a couple cold cathode lights. Would they work? Would they actually help plants grow? I've heard of people considering LEDs, but they're apparently too focused to be effective. I know how to wire them...but would they do the job? I figured they'd be cheap, reliable, and low profile, but I don't know if they'd be any good for plants. I've read of people using blue ones for night lights, and even red ones, but never white.

Any idea if they'd work on a dimmer?
 
My first thought is that spectral deficiencies would lead to slow plant growth and fast nusiance algae growth. I don't know that much abotu them though. I'd go with a power compact kit from petsupplyliquidator.com or ahsupply.com.
 
Probably PC would be your best bet. You can actually find some at home depo that appear to be high in the Kelvin scale, and are 23 watts each, They are Phillips cool white I think.

-Joel
 
Do I need to spend the big bucks on a power compact? Would I be that much worse off with a standard hood? One of the links you mentioned showed a two-bulb t8 setup, would that be sufficient? Seems like the best deal going...
 
I use 2 12" ccfl (cold cathode) tubes on my 55. For what they're supposed to accomplish, they do a good job. You'll have to either find a ac/dc converter or splice into one (that is if they were originally for PC use). I spliced into a ac power supply that can be set from 1v to 12v... Since I only run them for a few hours a night, it makes for a cheap and nice looking moonlight affect.

I'll try to a get pic of it tonight.
 
Nugs-
That's what I was thinking, but I'm wondering if the white lights could be used as daytime lighting. From the look of your post, it sounds like you use them as moonlights. I was thinking of doing the same thing as a primary light...just an idea though.
 
bump

No opinions? Should I look for a PC light, or will I be ok with a twin bulb, or even a single? I'm looking at a couple twin bulbs right now...i guess I can do PC if i really have to.

Remember my tank is 40 long so it's 16" high, and scarcely planted (i have 3), although I would like to get more.
 
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