Simple cheap, non plant LED light hood

bigwave

bigwave

AC Members
Jan 23, 2008
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I had an old wooden hood that I built myself a while ago. It ran 2 55 watt fluorescent bulbs. Those got moved into something else, and I needed some quick light in this hood.

This is not an original idea, but it worked well, and took about 5 minutes to put together. The light output is great, and I am very very happy with it. I may someday put a real LED fixture in it, like I have on my big tank, but for just displaying a few fish this is perfect.

I'm sure I have seen similar builds with CFLs on here, but thought I would just share mine quickly.

2 shop lights, with cages removed. 2 screws in each one (I pre-drilled the metal and the wood). Each light can be controlled individually, but I have them both just running off 1 timer. Total cost was about $40.

LED Light hood - cheap.jpg

LED Light hood - cheap.jpg
 
Got a pic of the finished project?

I really like these 10w flood lights for $17. One is more than enough for a 10 gallon tank. 2 would work on a 20-30 gallon long. The light is spread out and very little wasted. They work very good for plants too as this particular one linked below is a cool white with 6000-6500k temp. Hang it from inside a hood or suspend with a small chain.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/280818444877?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

 
IT actually lights it up really well. The shop light parts direct most of the light downward. I don't claim it to be the most efficient use of light, but for a fish only tank it is just perfect.

Been running during the day for 3 days, no issues so far.
 
Here's a quick shot of the tank and then the inhabitants. It's just bare for now. These pictures are taken without a flash.

The left side of the tank IS lighter than the right, but it is less noticable in person than in the pictures.

Full thank shot:
Sevs 01.jpg
Profile:
Sevs 02.jpg

Teeth!
Sevs 03.jpg

Sevs 01.jpg Sevs 02.jpg Sevs 03.jpg
 
That's incredible! What an amazing job :) Can you post more details on the bulbs? I know some LED bulbs have a too warm and yellow output, some are too cold and blue, but then there are those that are just right...
 
I threw away the boxes they came in, but this is it I am pretty sure. I just bought it at my local home depot. The box is different that what is pictured here, but again I am pretty sure it is the same.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...gId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=led&storeId=10051

Here's the specs from their page if you don't want to follow it:


  • Brightness: 430 Lumens
  • Estimeated Yearly Energy Cost: $0.96 (Based on 3 hrs/day, 11/kWh. Costs depend on rates and use.)
  • Life: 45.7 years (Based on 3 hrs/day)
  • Light Appearance: 3000K Bright White (WW)
  • Energy Used: 8 Watts (equivalent to a 40 watt standard incandescent lght bulb)
  • Lumens per Watt: 54
  • Contains Mercury: N
  • Uses 80% less energy compared to a standard incandescent light bulb
  • Indoor application: Sconce, pendent, ceiling fan
  • Medium Edison baseGeneral purpose 19
  • Dimmable: Y
  • Meets Federal minimum efficiency standards for Energy Star rating
  • Illuminated by Lighting Science Group
  • Life hours: 50,000
  • Suitable for interior or exterior use
  • Instant On
  • 5 Year Warranty
  • Product packaging may vary.
  • MFG Brand Name : EcoSmart
  • MFG Model # : ECS 19 WW 120
  • MFG Part # : ECS 19 WW 120


PS - Since I use my lights 10 hours a day, instead of 3 like listed above, I will probably have to replace the bulbs in about 13.6 years instead of the 45.7 years they spec. :clap:
 
nice

looks like it works well

nice sev's too are they a bonded pair?
 
Last edited:
I had 3 sevs, and these two chased the other so much I had to re-home it. These two don't fight much, so they are kinda a pair. We will see if I ever get eggs!
 
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