DIY Cold Cathode/LED Moon Lights

[cstires]

I'm wanting to create some moonlights for my tank this weekend and was wondering if anyone has used cold cathode light tubes, if so where did you get them and what inverter are you using?

Same question for LED's.

Thanks!

 

[Boostable]

Quick and easy DIY for you...

1" PVC.. Drill 1/4" holes offset ( like this /\/\/\/\ "corners are holes ) the length of teh pvc.. lenth is up to you..

Buy a string or two of LED XMas lights... insert lights into teh holes..

Mount the PVC using Plastic PVC holders to your hood or canopy.. Allows you to rotate the light streams forward or backward to your likeing..

Waa Laa... Night lights..

 

[Ah64av8tor]

try these Auto Illumination

 

[cstires]

I need to see if I can find some blue christmas bulbs now! Probably too late!!!

 

[Boostable]

These are the exact one's I use, to give you an idea of what to look for... works like a champ..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180068413802

I bought mine at target or walmar..

 

[cstires]

Can you post a pic of how you installed them? I've got the general idea, just wondering how you where able to install the individual lights in the 1/4" holes throughout the entire length of the PVC pipe... Seems like I would be able to get the first few, but then couldn't reach the remaining holes in the middle...

 

[orb]

i've read a few times they should be between 460-470nm.

 

[Boostable]

There is so little light, and the duration is so minimal, I can't see how any nightlight would affect anything.. but thats just my take.

cs... forgot to mention that.. Here is how it is done..

Actually its a 1.5" or 1.25". 1" is a little tight...

Step 1:
- Cut the PVC to length.
- Measure the holes and mark them
- Drill them out

Step 2:
You should now have a full lenght PVC with alot of drilled holes like this.. /\/\/\/\/\/\
- Flip the PVC over 180deg and mark the center directly above your newly drilled holes.
- Measure out from center about 1/4 - 1/2 inch on both sides and mark it wth a line from end to end..
- Cut (using a table saw, skill saw, jig saw) along those lines, leaving a 1/2-1" slot along the top of the PVC. This will give you pleanty of room to insert the lights and tuck the remaining wire in the pipe.

Once your done you can leave teh top open of put the cutout piece back ontop before you mount it.. I leave mine open..

I have been using this setup for about 2 years.. works great..

 

[cstires]

That makes a lot more sense now! I thought you just might have some really small fingers!!!

 

[mfp4073]

I bought some of these at xmas...heck I think I even posted about them. I have done some experiments and can cut them down to about 12 bulbs and use them that way. Still have not installed them because I CANNOT FIND MY STAPLEGUN ANYWHERE...but im not angry.

 

[phishy2]

i used the DIY plans on the cichlid forums for my fw tank
http://cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_moonlight.php

i installed it the same way he did

these are the cold cathodes i used
http://cgi.ebay.com/12-DUAL-BLUE-CO...4QQihZ008QQcategoryZ51064QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

it comes with the invertor all i needed was the ac adapter, which i used an old cell phone charger...

worked well, all it cost me was the 9$ for the cathodes, it was 7$ back then tho -=)

 

[DaveBien]

Try "CASE MOD GEAR" cold cathode 12" length, 2 tubes. Wire in a 12vdc transformer from an old cell phone or such or ck Radio Shack for one. They even come with velcro strips. They work pretty well. Got mine at FRY Electronics here in Chicago.for about $9.99. Check the computer supply places by you. And just add a dab of silcone on the end of each tube to be sure.