DIY Light Upgrade

trigiver01

trigiver01

Follow HIM and be fishers of men!
Dec 16, 2008
231
2
18
Alachua County, FL
Hey all!

Here's the scoop:

I have a 60g tall (48"l x 12" w x 24"d) with the stock perfecto hood, including two 18" 15w flora-glo bulbs. This is only .5 w/gal and I want to upgrade to about 2. Here's my plan:

Gut both light strips and install one double socket in each. The wiring is 18 AWG x 2C in each strip, so I figure I can get away with 2x 30 w CF bulbs in each.

By my figures, that should only draw .54 amps per wire, which is well under it's operating limit. I'm going to electric tape the wiring to the inside of the canister, and then put foil under them with holes cut in for the vents.

I should only need 2x double sockets, 4x bulbs, electric tape, and maybe a little extra wire.

Thoughts? objections? Am I overlooking anything and designing my own demise/preparing to burn down my apt?

Thanks for the time and attention!

-James
 
^^ Sounds somewhat dangerous what you are attempting but im in the same situation as far as lighting and tank specs and a diy would be very helpful im interested in seeing how this turns out. Granted it can be done safely
 
CWO4GUNNER said:
I would defiantly either solder the wiring with tape or use twist on wire splice connectors. I would not use tape alone on light fixture wiring, the occasional movement could loosen the connections.
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Yeah I was going to use splicers for the connections - but tape the wiring up so it doesn't dangle close to the lights and melt the insulation. I was then going to cover this with foil to reflect light (and heat) back towards the aquarium. I am also going to leave the vent holes un-foiled so that air can circulate down inside and help keep it cool.


NCalien said:
^^ Sounds somewhat dangerous what you are attempting but im in the same situation as far as lighting and tank specs and a diy would be very helpful im interested in seeing how this turns out. Granted it can be done safely
Click to expand...

I've done lots of research on the 18 AWG size (btw - this information is printed on the power cord to the light fixtures) and I know it can carry at least 2 amps - and even up to 400w as long as the cord is less than 5 ft (which mine is). The insulation is rated to 300C (also printed on the power cord) so I know it won't melt as long as it's not in direct contact with the bulb.

The lights are also shielded from water and condensation by sealed glass plates. You definitely need the shield because if cool aquarium water were to splash hot lights, they'll shatter and then you have glass/mercury/electric problems.

In the US, our house voltage is 120V AC at 60Hz, so 2x30W CF bulbs that are limited by their internal ballast should only draw .54A, which is about 25% of the lowest max load I have found. The electricity should be safe.

I'll take pictures as I go along and post them, along with follow up. :)
 
Ok I've ordered:

2x 18 AWG double sockets ($6 total)
4x 25W 3-loop CF bulbs at 1350 lumens, 6500K ($20.20 total)
1x roll of electric tape ($0.97 total)
1x box of assorted splicers/connectors ($2.97 total)

I already have tin foil and random screws/wire to mount the sockets in the hoods. I had to order the double sockets and light bulbs online (I went for the 3-loop because they're longer and thinner, so more wattage in less space). I'll post before - during - after photos as I go! *getting excited*
 
be careful with that foil. rolling or brushing glue and applying that way would help. your numbers should be more than fine. i wouldn't worry about them so much.

i wouldn't use wire caps if that's what you're referring to. i would use solder, tape and/or shrink tubing for a much better safer result. permanent and water proof is the desired end result in this case.
 
I did pretty much the same thing a few months ago. I'll tell ya, cfls aren't nearly as bright by wattage as flourescents, and they do make a concerning amount of heat in a small enclosure. I ended up replacing my modified hood with a lesser wattage of t8s in a nice shoplight, and was more satisfied.
 
Yeah I found these crimp splicers that I'm going to use - you put the wires in both sides and crimp them down, then I'm going to tape over the whole thing. I'm not going to leave any conductors exposed, and then I'm going to line it with foil. Thanks for the pointers! I appreciate all of it!!

shwank: did you use the coiled CF bulbs? I got the 3-loop kind because they spread the light out a bit more, and since they're not as concentrated they spread the heat around too.
 
Thanks, jra! It really helped to see the pictures so I could get an image of what's best. I'll post pictures, too, when I get started (lights + sockets should be in soon!). :)
 
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