Lighting

[discusFans]

repeej, the Jebo light fixture has a poor reflector. most of the light that go up can't redirect back to the tank, instead the light is reflect back to the bulb and lose...that is the comment i read about it

[AQUAFREAK]

The way I fixed this reflective problem is I used a mirror like film that they sell at craft stores and covered all the inside of my canopy.

I will tell you,  I have a 42" high tank and I am growing my plants just fine with 4 bulbs of this type.  I have found 27W bulbs and they have a 4700 K value which for the price and the effect aren't to bad.  

I also use a spiral blue fluorescent 60w at night to give the tank an amazing moonlight  affect.  It looks fantastic and the fish seem to get really active, Very Cool.

What I really like is the ability to place the light in my tank were I want it.  

That of course is my only my opinion.

I will try to take a couple of pictures to show you.

 :shock:  

[darkdep]

How effective is that stuff you're using (mylar, isn't it?)

I read a post on the krib that seemed to indicate that if reflective film wasn't applied properly it would actually REDUCE the amount of light getting to the tank...(Dunno how that could happen, but...)

I've also read that high-gloss white paint makes a more-than-decent reflector.

Has anyone done any light-meter tests?

[gvv]

Sorry Bigdady, but I'm a little bit confused here:

Spirals radiate light in all directions...

Do you mean that normal fluorescents are unidirectional? I assume that for directioning the light the reflector should be used.
Regards

[AQUAFREAK]

How effective is that stuff you're using (mylar, isn't it?)

I read a post on the krib that seemed to indicate that if reflective film wasn't applied properly it would actually REDUCE the amount of light getting to the tank...(Dunno how that could happen, but...)

I've also read that high-gloss white paint makes a more-than-decent reflector.

Has anyone done any light-meter tests?

Yes it is a mylar type material.  Almost the kind you see used in window tinting.

Reflecting light is not as intense as the direct light.  You probably loose 1/2 of whatever is coming off the mirror.  As for High gloss white paints, I wonder if it dullens the light effect,  because as for the mirror image effect that I am getting it's the true daylight light color of the lamp and not the reflective color the particular paint used.   It would be very interesting to test which gives off more reflection and which is a cleaner, true color of the light you are producing.

[darkdep]

Anyone with a light-meter here?

[AQUAFREAK]

Sorry Bigdady, but I'm a little bit confused here:

Spirals radiate light in all directions...

Do you mean that normal fluorescents are unidirectional? I assume that for directioning the light the reflector should be used.
Regards

No they are not "unidirectional",  they still require a reflector to be effecient,  you may notice that white reflectors are always used and that is to broden the light,  sort of spreads it out all over the place.  But aluminum or mirror like materials redirect the light back towards your water, giving you more reflective light.  I do not know how beneficial that is to your plants and stuff,  but I know I like the look and effect that I get from it.

[AQUAFREAK]

Anyone with a light-meter here?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that this is the best light available on the market, but it is a good substitute for the poor mans budget.  If I had the money I would have built it using VH Fluorescent tubes and proper retrofited hood and all.  But I'm not loaded and have a very limited budget to spend on my tank.  And this is why I felt it necessary in forwarding my solution to this persons problem.

[darkdep]

Aquafreak, I understand, and also have a limited budget.  I wasn't challenging your solution in any way...quite the contrary.  I'm building a hood right now and am trying to determine what would be best to use to reflect as much light as possible.  I've known others that have used mylar to their satisfaction, was just wondering if anyone had done any actual tests between the two.

[repeej]

What type of wood is everyone using to build their hoods?  I was thinking of using cedar.

[Iceman]

I used spruce.

[darkdep]

I'm using Birch veneered plywood.

[AQUAFREAK]

Just remember wood is heavy and if you are placing it on glass or plexy glass try to ensure you have some sort of bracing in place to eleviate the pressure on the top.  

Also If you paint it or stain it be careful it doesn't come in contact with your water you could end up killing your fish and/or plants.

Don't forget to protect your wood from the heat from your lights, Aluminum foil works just fine, also reacts as a reflector.  

Good luck

[repeej]

Thought I would give an update.

Here's the semi-finished product.  Need to do a few touch ups here and there and need to stain it to match the tank stand.

Used 3/4" thick oak to build the hood (wood purchased and cut at Home Depot) and mounted a 36" dual strip light with 30w "daylight" bulbs from the Electrical and Plumbing Store in Bells Corners.

Wood - $45
Light fixture -  $29
Bulbs - $7ea.
Satisfaction of building something yourself - PRICELESS!!!

[darkdep]

I still think there's something crazy-cool about your back glass that looks great in photos.

Good job, BTW!  I'm almost done mine too, will also post finished pics when complete.

[AQUAFREAK]

Nice job and I agree with darkdep,  your background is awesome, what is it and how did you do that?  

Very nice job on the light canopy,  do you have something protecting your lights from the tanks humidity and moisture.  I say that because ballast and end caps have a habit of rusting out faster than you might think.  Just a suggestion.

Good Job

[repeej]

The background is just black stick-on on the outside and a bubble wall on the inside.

What do you recommend for "protection" against humidy?

[darkdep]

Bubblewall...right...we had this discussion before.  It just looks cool in photos.  

You want to waterproof your wood.  Any finish coat that says it waterproofs is good.  Polyurethane would be my recommendation.  I'm personally going for 3-5 coats of Varathane water-based clear finish for mine.

[AQUAFREAK]

TO protect your fixture you could use a couple of things.  Clear plexiglass is my choice, but some people have also used Fluorescent light diffusers, the same things you see in your office buildings it captures the light and spreads it more evenly.  Their are different types and some give off some neet effects, Not to pricy either.  But again a good piece of 1/4" plexiglass cut to the same size as your canopy and just sit your canopy on it.  There you go your done.

Protect your light especially with the bwall.   !!!!

[darkdep]

Aquafreak:  Good point.  I sort of assumed a glass/plexiglass cover.  D'oh!