Let There Be Light...

[bogwood]

I have an 18x10x10 inch (24Litre/5UKGal) quarantine tank. It has a black plastic canopy, which is coated a reflective white on the inside...

I want a simple, basic light - purely for viewing - as there are no live plants in the tank apart from some Java Moss... which is doing well... even in the UK winter daylight...

It seems pointless to go to the effort of a small flouro on a tank of this size (not even sure it is possible)... just a single, small, water insulated bulb kinda thing would do... or what about those single aquarium LEDs? I've seen a 'white' light version, which can be positioned either in the tank itself - or just clipped to the top edge of the tank, looking down/in...

Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

 

[simonbrown403]

I have a tank same size with a similar black plastic hood, all i,ve done with mine is fix a small 8 watt tube arcadia in with a couple of zip tie's.
Stay away from bulbs as they generate to much heat, and will melt the hood.

I use mine for fry and a hospital tank.

 

[bogwood]

cheers simonbrown403... funny you should suggest that... I've been looking at this:

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1


Is this the same as your light?

 

[Rooster]

Just bung an "energy saving" lamp in there.... £1 shops always have them !

 

[ChrisC]

Yep, do what rooster said.

Stick a condensation tray over the top instead of the hood, and stick a desk light over it, or a £1 low wattage light.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[shrimply]

Clearseal do Pygmy bulb sets that take 15w SES pygmy bulbs. I have one in my tank and the plants love it they grow really well and it gives out a nice light. Cost me £5.

For condensation I just stuck a clear plastic drinks cup over it which also works fine.

 

[PlecMama]

For condensation I just stuck a clear plastic drinks cup over it which also works fine.

What a clever idea. Good thinking.

 

[Arfie]

Either get a 12" white cold cathode light or a dual 4" one, it's what I am looking to do with my 24 * 8 * 8 and a single 4" for my 12 * 8 * 8 tank. Trouble is the 4" white ones are £5 + P&P each, the 12" dual ones are about £3, then you need a power supply like used for the the moonlight kits (I just got 6 adjustable ones off fleabay for £18 )

The bulb can be siliconed onto the lid as they have square ends and you could silicone where the square end joins onto the round bulb to ensure it is totally sealed If I can find some (cheap) thin clear plastic sheets I'll also silicone some over the recess to make sure it cant fall into the water if it comes unstuck.

Arfie