[GlockInMyPock]

I was thinking that i could use some old Christmas lights that were lying around. I would just replace all the bulbs with blue ones. Would this work? Or will it mess with my fish's behavior?

 

[OverStocked]

Technially, fish can see blue and while it looks best, it doesn't give them total darkness. Whether they NEED darkness or not is up for discussion...

Christmas lights would be rather bright, in comparison to typical moonlights. I use LED lights that came with a transformer from ebay. Just make sure to look for ones that are wide angle and not narrow spots. Made that mistake once...

 

[Moody636]

I'm not sure if you'll get the effect you're looking for, but it's worth a try. Here is what I ended up using though. http://www.frozencpu.com/products/8192/lit-172/Logisys_12_12V_LED_Light_Strip_-_Blue_LDS12BL.html


I just wired it up to a 12v transformer, stuck it under my hood, and I was good to go.

 

[GlockInMyPock]

Thanks for the advice. I was looking to do something with LED's but it just seems to be a hassle. But i do like the idea of using computer parts, that would make it a lot easier. I just need to find a 12v Transformer.

 

[OverStocked]

The LEDs im talking about come pre wired. There is NO hassle. It took me about 5 minutes to wire it all up and tape the leds in place in my old fixture.

 

[OverStocked]

search ebay for led strip light. You can get the 99 cent deals(with 9.99 shipping) that have the leds and transformer.

 

[Rivermud]

You may want to look for cold cathode lighting. It's a bit smoother looking and won't give you the beam effect. You can find those at the same computer supply sites as the ones previously mentioned.

 

[Moody636]

You may want to look for cold cathode lighting. It's a bit smoother looking and won't give you the beam effect. You can find those at the same computer supply sites as the ones previously mentioned.

Cold cathode would work too, but I'd like to point out that you do not get the beam effect if the LEDs are spaced close together and they span the length of the tank.

 

[GlockInMyPock]

Was thinking of using LED case feet for the moon lights. They could diffuse the light and combat the whole focused light thing.


Any thoughts?

 

[Moody636]

You might still get a beam effect even with the case feet acting as lenses, but it might be worth a try.

 

[crossbow]

Just an FYI, the actual lunar lights aren't much more expensive then the ebay lights once you factor into account the cost of the transformer and shipping.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=12760

Shipping is currently only 99 cents with the 5 dollar coupon @ dr fosters.
http://www.retailmenot.com/view/drsfostersmith.com

Just adding that to the discussion.

 

[Wasserpest]

I used a white Christmas LED chain (60 LEDs) in a recent canopy. Works great for my 250gal tank. Plus nice value at $5.99 + tax.

 

[GlockInMyPock]

this may be a dumb question, but i have an old canopy that fits t8 bulbs just lying around. Do they sell specific moon light bulbs for this?

 

[brohawk]

They sell plastic sleeves that fit over t8 bulbs, specifically for moonlighting, if that's what you're getting at. I don't remember the details though. Maybe they were glow in the dark, and were charged up during the lighting period, or maybe they just turned your regular lights blue. Dunno. Check ebay.

 

[topfrog007]

As an idea/experiment: I bought a 16ft Blue rope light on the net for 9.99 + 5.00 shipping. It's already in a waterproof tubing, all I have to do is mount it and turn it on.

Unfortunately I'm not at a point where I can see the results yet (DIY canopy not finished).

Just turning it on and holding it over the tank produces some nice results, once I finally get it setup check out my 240G journal!