Cheap Moonlight

[Squimps]

I've read a few articles about what type of bulbs and/or setup to use in order to create a soft, moonlit effect in your tank at night. Many of them are expensive, complicated or both. I tried something the other day, however, that is CHEAP, EASY, and looks great. I went to Home Depot and bought an under-cabinet flourescent fixture with bulb included for about $10. I then went to Michael's craft and hoibby store and bought two rolls(one blue and one purple) of this stuff called Clearphane. I layered the colored celaphane several times until it created the desired degree of brightness. I then taped the material over the plastic housing already covering the bulb, mounted it to the hood of my canopy and now I have a soft bluish purple light in my tank for nightime viewing for less than $15. You can easily experiment with different layers and colors to create a totally custom look...experiment and enjoy the nocturnal activities of your fish

 

[Jamnog]

sounds like an excellent idea what sort of bulb did you use?

 

[Squimps]

The fixture comes with it's own flourescent bulb. And by the way, I forgot to mention another little side benefit of this system - I have these "night lights" on a separate timer from my regular light. I have the night lights set to automatically to come on a few minutes earlier than the brighter bulbs in the morning. I think this helps wake up my fish a little more gradually rather than putting full light into my tank all at once. I also reverse the process when putting them to bed each night.

 

[Tanked]

that is a great idea squimps. and a nice little DIY write up.

cheers,

richard

 

[CFC]

Fish certainly seem to preffer a gradual awakenening,on my big tank i have 4 tubes (blue,red and 2 sunlight) that are set to come on at half hour intervals in the morning and repeat the process in in reverse in the evening to mimic sunrise/sunset as best as possible,it stops my balas from freaking out and smashing them selves against the sides and lid.Can make fish like barbs and tetras spawn as well,within a week of setting the system up my congo tetras were spawning every morning.