Mini Flourescent light

[Idolz]

Hi,
I have two 2.5 gal betta tanks and I would like to build canopies for them that have small flourescent light bulbs in them. I've found 4 or 6 watt bubls that are perfect but I was wondering what kind of volatges are needed for the smaller bubls??
I couldn't find any sites with diy projects this small
Thanks

 

[Lateral Line]

There is no simple answer to that. If the lamps are regular fluorescents, i.e. long straight and with 2 pins at either end, then you'll need to find a suitably rated ballast unit or electronic starter. Electronics are better, they run cooler, are cheaper to run and tend not to flicker like magnetic ballasts do.

If it is a compact fluorescent with a regular mains connector, then the electronic starter is built into the base, and you run it at mains voltage.

If the the lamp is a compact fluorescent without an inbuilt starter, (these are cheaper), you need a mains powered starter with a special adapter to the lamp. There are at least 2 types of connectors so be sure to take the lamp with you when finding a starter. Most of these type of lamps have 2 pins only.

 

[Idolz]

Thanks,
I think that the biggest problem I will have is finding the small sockets for the bulbs.