lighting question

[Bababou]

Ive had the thought to make my own light fixture, but id like opinions on my idea first. Im not sure what they are called but im looking to use two of the PC that go into incondecent sockets 12 watts a piece 50/50's. Then make a reflector to mont them under and a 2x4 bracket to hang the contraption from. I know low light is best for mantis so im trying to keep it down.
Opinios on the light if you would and not on grammar thanks.
Rob

 

[Bababou]

ok so am i being black balled here or is it a good idea and no one feels a need to sugest anything. HEHE

 

[crafty_50mitchell]

Sorry Rob, I'm not really sure why you would want to diy a low lighting system. From what I understand the mantis prefering low light is definetely species specific. I see that you have a 14 gallon nano in the works, is this the tank your working with? And if so is it not standard enough that you could find a cheap flourescent strip light?
Brian

 

[crafty_50mitchell]

You can probably find some better resources for a project like this on the reef central Diy forum also:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=3
Personally Im all about the Diy'ing, but when it comes to electricity I've been zapped one too many times so I tend to steer clear....
Brian

 

[Bababou]

The 14 nano was abandoned to make the mantis tank, i just have not changed the list at the bottom yet. I could probly find a florecent fixture for it but to some extent i want to make my own lighting on this one. Thanks for the imput though.
Rob

 

[Bugs825]

Just a thought. When picking a lighting system, rember to figure in the cost of replacement bulbs. I made a hood with 3 NO lights and now need to spend $60 on bulbs for it. I might give in and get the 96 watt system. Then only $20 for new bulbs. That would be cheaper in the long run.

Just a thought

Nathan

 

[mightymouse]

what are NO ligths? what does NO stand for ive heard of high output or HO but never NO can some1 shed some light not tryin to hijack just am curious

 

[rwhhunt]

normal output

 

[Bababou]

the cost to build the fixture i want and the cost of buying a pre made light are about the same and the bulbs im looking at cost about 12 bucks and the best ive found for NO 50/50 to match tank size is 15 to 20 dollors and IMO they dont look as good for quality of light. I see were your comign from and thanks for the input.
Rob

 

[Bugs825]

If I can warn people of things that i wish i would have done differantly, then thats great!

Good luck,
Nathan