DIY Compact Fluorescent (CFL) Strip Light Retrofit

Looks good. I don't have any old fixtures laying around but I do have a bunch of old pvc rain gutter that is about the same size. I wonder if I could get away with using that.

If I decide to try it I'll let you know.
 
sschind said:
Looks good. I don't have any old fixtures laying around but I do have a bunch of old pvc rain gutter that is about the same size. I wonder if I could get away with using that.

If I decide to try it I'll let you know.
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Just gotta make sure that it can handle the heat...or be prepared to cut vents or install fans, both easy to do as well.
 
MIKE D said:
insted of using CFL bulbs can you use Metal Halide Light Bulbs or will that put off to much heat and melt everything?
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I don't have any experience with metal halide bulbs. If they get much hotter than CFLs, then you may want to consider other alternatives for mounting/housing them.
 
I upgraded my 30G from 20W to 56W for about $40 this weekend including the paint (and some tools). I used 4 x 14W 5500K lights.

Thanks for the hints... Here's a pic of my results. No fan quite yet, and I can't say it's my proudest build, but the heat doesn't seem to be too out of control and the lighting is an incredible improvement.

Next on the list, cold cathode moonlight. :)

cfl-hood.jpg


- Eric
 
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Anything is better than the standard lighting...and yours looks great.

Here's a tip on the cold cathode, don't mount it or the inverter using the velcro strips that comes with it, the heat will just melt the glue and they will never stay up. Use some silicone instead...holds like a champ and the silicone will withstand the heat.



Edit: I wish we could get some before and after pics. I would have some but I had this planned before I even got the tank. Maybe I can dig some up for my 28g that I did as well.
 
Thanks, will keep that in mind when I add the cathodes.

I didn't take any before pictures, but it definitely wasn't pretty (in appearance or odor; I picked it up off of Craigslist). The only thing that I used was the cheap plastic hood and the 4 molded screw mounts. That paint covered it really well in a single coat.

I've got the left and right sides on separate power cords and timers, so I can semi-simulate some normal cycling daylight. The cathodes should make that even nicer.

- Eric
 
lights

Got 6 26 watts in 36" hood, need cheap cooling options other than drilling or cutting vents. Would prefer fans, no where to get cheap ones?
 
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