How To Diy Lighting Fixture

[DarkShadow435]

I have a 2 1/2 gal, and a 10 gal turtle tank. The 10 gal has a florescent hood, but the 2 1/2 gal doesn't. I have experience with wiring moonlights made from cold cathode tubes, as i have wired my 55 gallon tank with one and it looks great. I have purchased a dual 4 in. cold cathode tube kit, and i want to make a decent lighting unit (with reflector) for the 2 1/2 gal. Can anyone give me a hand as to how i should do this?

 

[DarkShadow435]

Well, since i haven't gotten any help on this end, i decided to take matters into my own hands and come up with a plan of attack. I purchased a sheet of thin plywood, and some pre-bent small roofing reflectors. My plan is to create my own lighting fixture mimicing the traditional lighting units (only making mine completely square), and use the roofing reflectors as the light reflector (durr ) My plan is to put 2 small 4" white cold cathodes in it. I think running that at the right power should be enough to light the tank sufficiently.

Any comments? suggestions?

 

[DarkShadow435]

Well, once again, no comments or suggestions, so i went ahead and did it by myself.

I measured out all the dimensions of how i wanted everything, cut everything out of the plywood, and used Liquid-Nails adhesive to hold everything together. Coincidentally, i received the cold cathodes in the mail today, and put everything together. Here's what I've got so far.

All that's left to do is trim off the extra adhesive with a razor blade, and paint the whole thing black. Here's a comparison of the tank lit with my fixture vs. not being lit at all.

Tank Not Lit:

Tank Lit:

Sadly, in trying to figure out the polarity of the wires, i have just burnt out the power inverter, so i guess i'll have to be buying a new one of those.

Other than that, this is how my project came out. Let me know what you think!

 

[iairj84]

Sorry for the lack of replies, I've been out for a couple days and havent had a chance to check the DIY forum as much as normal. That hood looks great! Good job with that, all you need to do is paint it and you're done! I think I might have to get a new 2.5 for my betta and use your idea for the lighting. That's awesome!