Moonlighting

[Johnny287]

Hi guys, only just signed up to this site so go easy! I've tried searching everywhere, but couldn't get a definitive answer to my question. I have been given a blue marine light tube (actinic whatever that means) for my tropical tank. I asked for a moonlighting kit, and this wasn't quite what I was expecting. I have a 200L Fluval tank with a double light tube hood (only one switch), so I'm totally clueless as to how to make this work. What I wanted to have is normal daylight during the day, then the blue lighting at night, but is this possible without being a DIY expert?

Any help would be much appreciated. Can I use only the blue light strip? Do I need to use that one as well as the normal daylight strip? Is there a simple way to separate the power from the two tubes?

Thanks in advance.

 

[doresy]

Hi and

There are many 'moonlighting' systems on eBay (I have used one myself for a year or more) Blue LEDS are most common.
CLIK HERE to see my choice.


I attached them by (very carefully) drilling small holes through the inside of the front edge of the plastic capping to the top of tank then by using cable ties.
I plug them into a timer set to come on 5 minutes before the main lights go out so there is a transition from 'daylight' to 'moonlight'

Here is the effect

 

[Johnny287]

Thanks for that, looks great. Are LEDs the best way to do this then? Reason I'm asking is simply because I've been given this light strip tube thing as a present so don't want to sack it off if I can avoid it! If anyone can help with my quandary I'd be very grateful!

 

[Vin Swords]

led is the onlyway.. blue tube lights gives you blue lighting. not moon lighting.


best way to sort it, for tank like urs.. get two strips blue 15/25leds for cars. and two 12v mobile fone charger. glue the led and joint the charger.

cost you next to nothing.

 

[Johnny287]

led is the onlyway.. blue tube lights gives you blue lighting. not moon lighting.


best way to sort it, for tank like urs.. get two strips blue 15/25leds for cars. and two 12v mobile fone charger. glue the led and joint the charger.

cost you next to nothing.

Thanks for that. Is that the best way though, or is it the cheapest way? I don't mind spending a bit of money if it looks better. Can anyone maybe suggest what I can do with this blue tube then? That's my main problem really - I don't know if there's a way to use it in conjunction with my normal lighting?

 

[notg2009]

I have a question: what is the reason for having such lighting system? does it improve the tank condition or is it just an aesthetic thing?

Thanks.

 

[Johnny287]

I have a question: what is the reason for having such lighting system? does it improve the tank condition or is it just an aesthetic thing?

Thanks.

For me, it's because I have a few nocturnal fish (ancistrus, ghost knife fish and apparently now my clown loaches too) so I want to create a 'night' effect so I see them more. Also, because it looks pretty cool!

 

[Vin Swords]

Thanks for that. Is that the best way though, or is it the cheapest way? I don't mind spending a bit of money if it looks better. Can anyone maybe suggest what I can do with this blue tube then? That's my main problem really - I don't know if there's a way to use it in conjunction with my normal lighting?

well, i am a diy fan, so i suggest to get the best for cheap price. tube lights gives out blue light. thats it..
while BLUE LED gives out blue light with sharp aqua rays and moving shadows (cloud effact in the base of the tank) AKA moonlighting.
you can buy a ready made LED and DC box in e-bay. or you can make one for the half the price.


to run a t5/t8 tube u need appreciated ballast unit and water proof endcaps.

 

[Ethan040]

I just bought 2 x 24 blue led 24cm strips from ebay for £3.39 delivered there flexible, waterproof and can be cut down if needed. Other sellers are selling the same thing for 8-10 quid and more they have just put fish moonlight in the title im just going to wire these to a cheap adapter or phone charger.