Don't ya just love ripping apart old computers...so much more satisfying than just recycling them.
DIY Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Strip Light Retrofit
- Thread starter BoredAgain
- Start date
I noticed you had posted using a dimmer on the cathode bulb. I was gonna make sure no one was using a dimmer with the cfl bulbs you guys are using. The newest cfl bulbs, very few, are the only ones usable with a dimmer, and they have to say it on the box. Under powered cfls can get very hot at the base and melt, possibly catching fire.
Also make sure the cfls are not over open water as they weaken and can explode since they are under pressure.
Nice Diy projects you all have there.
Also make sure the cfls are not over open water as they weaken and can explode since they are under pressure.
Nice Diy projects you all have there.
BoredAgain, thank you for posting this thread. Although I didn't get the same sockets, and my wiring's a mess because I had to get 4 single sockets, this inspired me to improve my lighting. My plants appreciate it.
I have to agree with the Tt fans. I've got got them in my Tt PSU in my computer, can be dead silent or a tornado. I also have like 6 lower power Tt fans in my computer case, dead silent.
I got some Rosewill fans, and I'm sorry I did. Their bearings suck, big time. I'm gonna get these pretty soon.
I got some Rosewill fans, and I'm sorry I did. Their bearings suck, big time. I'm gonna get these pretty soon.
You are welcome. I just got a 75g today, so it looks like I may be doing this again, or perhaps something different.
Rosewill makes some good products, but I think I'd pass on their fans and go with a company that has a good and long history in the fan business. In my opinion, computer fans can be loud, but when you look at installing fans in something like an entertainment center or a light strip for your tank, they must be quiet, which is why I love Thermaltake fans.
BA, its not the air sound, its the bearings that are making noise, they just didn't use good bearings.
I understand, I'm just saying if they are loud, being in a computer it wouldn't matter to me much. I guess I'd just have to hear them.
I'm planning on a twin 26W CFL settup over my 20g tank within the next week. I'll post pics all along the process. Found twin sockets at Walmart, as well as the bulbs, both cheaper that it would be to buy online with shipping. Canabalized a standing 3 socket lamp to use one of the reflectors and sockets ofer my 5g tank and it looks really nice. It's high enough that I don't think I have to worry about it being over ope nwater, but I may soon get a piece of glass to cover the tank anyhow, as this is the 2nd tank I've tried uncovered and have once again developed a strange whitish film on the surface of the water. Wondering if it's something in the air settling onthe surface or what! (0.o) Walmart had all the stuff I needed for this project though at decent prices, except for the fans which I need to check in to. Dunno if a single twin fixture with 2x26W will get too hot without one or not. The casing has NO ventilation as produced by the factory unfortunately. Might add that moonlight setup to it later, but not in the budget for now. Too many other things I want to spend my money on! 
I did this setup this evening on my 29g. They didn't have the double bulbs so I just used 4 singles. The wiring got a little tricky but i was able to clean it up pretty easily. Looks great and is much brighter. Thanks!!! I'll post pictures soon.
