Incandescent light fixture

[Molino]

On one of my 10 gallons I have an incandescant fixture which I have put in some CF lightbulbs.

I was planning on increasing the light output on my 33 gallon, but wanted to keep the existing light hood which is very small. I've measured it and two of these 10 gallon fixtures (with reflectors) would fit inside perfectly.

Any of the LFSs here sell the entire 10 gallon tank hoods and not just the light fixture. Is there a place I can order just the light fixture for this hood? including the reflector if possible?

FYI: I have bought some cheap incandescent light fixtures at the hardware store, but because I can't find one fixture with sockets pointing in opposite directions what I've made will take a little too much room.

Any help or ideas would be appreciated.

 

[DIYMatt]

Molino- sorry to say but I gave away 2 cheapo 10 gallon hoods that actually were made for two incandescents. I have been kicking myself ever since. I have bought the "double ended" incandescent sockets at Home Depot. It was actually in the lighting department and sold as a replacement part for existing light fixtures. They actually had a couple styles. Another option my be going with 2-3 "twist" bulbs instead of 4. Like these:
http://www.1000bulbs.com/shopping/shopdisplaysubcat.asp?id=65&cat=08.++Screw-Ins+by+Wattage.
They come in wattages up to 42 watts each! for the reflector I have used aluminum flashing also from Home Depot. Even flat white paint is a good reflector.

A third option would be constructing your own fixture. Sometimes its better to leave things as they were intended to be used and start from stratch. I have seen some decent ones made from a section of rain gutter with gutter ends on each end. Disadvantages are you may have to buy a huge peice and I don't think I have seen black. But a very effective solution IMO. Let me know if you want more details. I think someone on this board has made one and posted pictures. 29Gallonsteve maybe?

 

[29gallonsteve]

Matt/Molino,

I didn't use the raingutter, but don't think I didn' t think about it...

Here are some possibilities...

As far as the reflector is concerned, buy the aluminum flashing as Matt suggested. Make sure it is not galvanized...Giancarlo suggested to get aluminum polish at an automotive store. It is called Mother's Mag and Wheel Polish. I just tried it...after 2-4 applications you will be on your way to a good finish (not quite a mirror, but it works...works very well...

You can bend the aluminum and shape to a form that would work over any tank if you have time and a little handiness...just use the sockets as Matt suggested...

I also back 1000bulbs.com...I have recieved their products and am growing successful tanks with them right now. Home depot also sells 5100K bulbs at 19 watts...

http://aquabotanicwetthumb.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=4006090712&f=8006023812&m=4886058093

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Molino]

Thanks for the suggestions Matt and Steve. I think I'll probably have to do like you guys said and go for a more DIY approach. I'll have to search the local hardware stores for some fixtures that'll work, and get the flashing as well.