Clamp On CFL Reflector. Would this work?

[Trickerie]

Hey All,

I planned to use clamp on cfls from home depot for my latest project, but I ran into an issue. The reflector is to tall :[ So, I was thinking. How would this affect the lighting, if I mounted it sideways, one on each end?

Heres a picture of one end:



Im going to assume it will become an issue, but wanted to hear some opinions. Looks like retail may be my only option for slimmer fixtures :[

Mark

[acitydweller]

that should work fine. infact i used this for two tanks

[Hoppy]

You will get far less light, but if you only want that much light it should work.

[Trickerie]

Im hoping to grow some dwarf sag and java fern, no co2. At this angle, would 2 14w 6500k cfls not be enough? Maybe I should get higher watt bulbs.

[PlantedRich]

Looking for alternates? Is it the clamp portion or the reflector which is too high? If the reflector, how about cutting the bottom off? I think it will be thin enough to cut with stury scissors or definitely with tin-snips. Maybe tape over the raw edge? Colored airline tubing glued on the edge might make it look a bit more "finished".

[Trickerie]

The reflector + outlet is too tall. It measures around 8 inches, and I only have about 4-5 inches to work with, if I want to leave room for airflow between lid and fixture (1in or so). Id have to cut off 3in of the reflector.

Since I'm looking for low light, for dwarf sag and java fern, im wondering if how I have it may be ok. I was looking at retail options, but wanted to avoid t5NO.

I wonder what kind of light I would get with this aquatraders LED fixture. Anyone have experience with it?

http://www.aquatraders.com/EVO-24-LE...d-p/56232p.htm

The tank is a 20Long btw.

[Kelli]

I have clamp on worklights, mine are < 6" from bottom of the reflector to the top of the outlet including the curl in the power cord (hope that made sense.) I'm running the mini daylight CFL's in them and they work great, I have two on my 36" long tank and should get a third.

Here's a link to mine:
http://www.menards.com/main/outdoor/...863-c-6405.htm

~Kelli

[Hoppy]

Why not just use a cheap T8 light hood? That is enough light, and it takes a lot less room.

[Trickerie]

Heat is a big issue. I need to keep the tank 5-6F lower than room temp for the frogs

[Hoppy]

Remember, those clamp on light reflectors are excellent infrared reflectors. I would expect them to heat the water too. LEDs would be the cool light to use, but much more expensive.

[Trickerie]

So I feared. Maybe I'll go for one of these babies

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001F9...dir_mdp_mobile

[Kelli]

Originally Posted by Hoppy

Remember, those clamp on light reflectors are excellent infrared reflectors. I would expect them to heat the water too. LEDs would be the cool light to use, but much more expensive.

True Dis. Our house is kept @ 68* in the summer, running the 2 CFL's during the day keeps the temps 78-81 and I don't use a heater. When they go off at night the water holds the heat pretty well until the AM.

~Kelli