For DIY'ers

[Russ Braaten]

I went to Regal Plastics today and found some interesting stuff. First, they have 6 inch diameter clear acrylic tubes that are about 9 inches long for only $2 each. That would be great for a DIY Skimmer or Reactor.

They also have very thick walled clear acrylic tubing that is 1/2"id X 24". for 50¢ each.

They also have some crazy small and bright 12 volt lights. They look like some sort of LED light but the light comes out of a tiny box that is on a circut board. I got 4 sections 3 lights in each section for just a few bucks. I am sure these will last longer than the DIY nightlights we made at the meeting last year.

 

[poke75]

What is Regal's address and store hours if you know.

Thanks,

 

[Russ Braaten]

I have no idea what their hours are. The guy I spoke to was really pleasant and answered all my stupid questions.

Regal Plastic Supply Co
9342 W Reno Ave (East of Morgan RD exit on I-40)
Oklahoma City, OK
(405) 495-7755

 

[theishkid]

I am pretty sure they run from 8 to 5... They supply a good deal of acrylic and other material for our sign shop. They might be a good source for acrylic to make sumps and such as well. Ask for Steve... he's always helped us out and is really friendly.

 

[captbunzo]

Re: For DIY'ers

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8000754#post8000754 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Russ Braaten
They also have some crazy small and bright 12 volt lights. They look like some sort of LED light but the light comes out of a tiny box that is on a circut board. I got 4 sections 3 lights in each section for just a few bucks. I am sure these will last longer than the DIY nightlights we made at the meeting last year.

Those are LED - they are likely a brand called Luxeon. There is actually a company making a full fledge tank light out of these types of bulbs. They are freaking amazing.

LEDs rock. I have a couple LED flashlights that are really neat.

 

[papagimp]

I saw an ad for one of those LED light fixtures, the one I saw claimed to put out the same PAR readings as a 250 watt metal halide bulb. I can't wait to see what cool stuff comes out in the years to come. Maybe somebody will finally breed a pigmy great white so I can have one at home. =o)

 

[pwhitby]

there is a review on them in advanced aquarist.

They are cheaper to run with less heat, but very expensive. for example, the 48 inch unit at 20K is $2,300. Assuming that would replace two of the 400W MH I have, it would be 500W less....anyways...I figured that for them to save me money, I would have to run a set for several years (5-6) to recoup the cost difference.

 

[captbunzo]

At present, they are simply a toy for the super rich. Now, if you wanted to build one, it could be done for MUCH less.... I have been thinking about building an array for a 10g nano tank. It'd be a great way to keep temperature down.

 

[Russ Braaten]

They must be scrunching hundreds of them together then. I have 12 of the lights and they are a great night lite but you would need a ton of them to be as strong as you guys are saying.

I am going to make a waterproof light out of them and I tried to stick them into the 1/2" tubes I got from them but they are a little too wide. I may be able to grind the curcuit boards to make them fit. Or see if they sell a slightly larger tube. I will then seal off the ends. It will be great! I may even stick it into the tank.

 

[captbunzo]

Nope... There are MANY different types of LEDs available. Big nowaday are Luxeons which can pack quite a bit of light.