Need help lighting biocube

[TikiDan]

Looking for a better way to light my 14 gallon biocube. Was thinking maybe one of those Viper clip ons or maybe something else.

Option two.... Would someone be interested in building me a canopy out of plywood? Not looking for a curved front, just a simple box with an open back and a lid. Not even looking for someone to build it, I just need the pieces and then I can put them together.

Thanks in advance.

 

[justin_freebord]

if you go the canopy route check out hellolights set ups. They have pretty cheap MH set ups if you have a canopy to put it in

 

[TikiDan]

that would be preferred but I don't have the means of cutting the wood

 

[Steve Ruddy]

Make one out of acrylic and have TAP Plastics cut your pieces. They can cut a fan hole as well. I like the clip on idea also.

 

[TikiDan]

i thought about that! I even made up the cut list but i got worried about heat warping the plastic. I was thinking 1/4" black plexi on the outside and then line it with 1/4" mirrored plexi on the inside to make it a built in reflector.

Then for lighting i was going to mount a DE MH bulb socket ( maybe 70watt or 150watt)

Do you think it will be ok?

 

[TikiDan]

 

[TikiDan]

the other worry i had was that it won't stand up to my cat jumping up to it and hanging out like cats do

 

[Reef Bass]

I'd be happy to loan you my circular saw Dan if you'd like.

 

[247FSHN]

Dan I believe the Ken's suggestion of using a circular saw on your cat is cruel an inhumane punishment. Steve's idea with acrylic and Tap plastics sounds better than having PETA knocking on your front door. LOL. Gool luck and I look forward to how it turns out. Mike

 

[FreshReefer]

I have a compound miter, table saw, and some other stuff if you have a design you are welcome to come over and cut your parts. If you need it give me a PM and I will give you my number.

 

[TikiDan]

Hey freshreefer, appreciate the offer. Let figure out how much wood I need and when I can make it. Where are you located?

 

[justin_freebord]

just a thought but is hanging the light an option? You might be able to rig a set up that is two J shaped bars that you could somehow attach to the stand in the back and hang a light? Just a random thought but it seems like you want a canopy which is always a nice touch as well.

Best of luck in whatever you decide, be sure to post some pictures

 

[TikiDan]

My cat is retarded and I am truly afraid she will end up in the tank unless its covered


That and being a nano, a canopy would keep evaporation down a little more than an open top

 

[justin_freebord]

haha of god, my tank is open except for a flimsy piece of plastic from taps over in santa rosa. If my cat was in indoor cat im sure i would find her in the tank. I think all cats are like that

 

[FreshReefer]

I am in Windsor. Just be sure to give some notice and I will do what I can. Weekends are filling up quick...

 

[TikiDan]

Let me figure out what I'm doing and I will get back to you Thanks!