My DIY CFL / Cold Cathode Strip Light Retro-Fit (Cheap!)

[StlSoldier]

My first attempt at a CFL Retro-Fit.

After a lot of research I decided to roughly follow this great DIY from [URL="http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/member.php?u=80544"]BoredAgain.
[/URL]
CFL 4 Pack - 4x14 watts at 5500k.- 9.00 (Home Depot)
Screw Down Zip Ties - x8 2.00 (Home Depot)
Masking Tape - 3.25 (Home Depot)
2 El-Cheapo Light Fixtures - 10.00 (Home Depot)
1 Can White Plastic Paint - 5.00 (Home Depot)
Dual 12" Blue Cold Cathode Light Kit - 6.00 (Newegg.com)
120v to 12v Variable Converter - 10.00 (Wal-Mart)
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Total 45.25

In my case this gives me roughly 2 Watt's per Gallon at 5500k and Moon Lighting for under $50.

Including the trip to Home Depot, the whole project took less than 2 hours.

Well worth it IMO.:werd:

Im not going to post instructions only pics as BoredAgain's DIY covers it quite well.

Now for the Pic's.

Ill post full Tank Pics after the Sun goes down.

[URL="http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/member.php?u=80544"] [/URL]

 

[Veloth]

Nice job :thm:

 

[zachjohnson65]

how does it look on the tank?

 

[BoredAgain]

Looks good. Fun, wasn't it? Are you going to put those on timers?

 

[StlSoldier]

Nice job :thm:

Thanks.

how does it look on the tank?

Pic's below.

Looks good. Fun, wasn't it? Are you going to put those on timers?

Thanks.

Very simple project. I recommend it for any skill level Do It Your Selfer.

Timers eventually. I don't have any yet, haven't decided which to purchase.

I do hope they cause a bit more algae, my poor otto's are reduced to eating carrots.

 

[luckydud13]

Were the neon blue lights part of the $45?

 

[Ryanstech]

great job, looks good! I may borrow this idea for my 29gal.

 

[StlSoldier]

Were the neon blue lights part of the $45?

Yes Sir. Save's about $17 to do without the Cold Cathode.

Cold Cathode Lights Here

120v to 12v Variable Converter Here

great job, looks good! I may borrow this idea for my 29gal.

Thanks. That's what I have it on. Its a little under 2 watts per gallon. Give or take. Should be good for low level light plants.

 

[zachjohnson65]

how do you think the cold cathode will hold up against moisture? I may steal your idea< the best form of flattery

 

[Dudun]

Sweet stuff man. What kind of substrate is that?