T5 top down shots - how to?

[ryanrid]

how does everyone take their top down shots with T5? I always get the reflection of the bulbs showing in the pics so cant see much, i have a top down box where i can take macro/close ups but not a FTS top down.

I have a 10 bulb ATI PM on a 2ft wide tank so the bulbs are basically the width of the tank.

Would appreciate some tips.

Thanks
Ryan :beer:

 

[preef]

I just slide the light fixture to the very front of the tank, stand on a chair and shoot pictures of the back. The reflection of the bulbs are just out of view. Not a FTS though.

 

[ryanrid]

how large is your light fixture?
my tank width is 24" and my light fixture is 22" so not much room to move.

 

[preef]

I have a bowfront. The fixture width is the same as the tank width on the sides. I can slide it about half way forward without it wanting to fall off the tank.

 

[Tony B (UK)]

You should use a plastic container with a clear smooth base, I use a ferrero rocher box. This is what it produces:

 

[Tony B (UK)]

I forgot to mention, if you're using a plastic box, like ferroro roche, be dont push the box too far into the water or your camera gets a wash

 

[kaserpick]

Ryan, how high can you raise your light?

 

[yano]

I use this:

And this is any photos:

 

[ryanrid]

Ryan, how high can you raise your light?

i can raise it approx 50cm (20") from the surface.

 

[ryanrid]

I use this:

And this is any photos:

I have something similar, it is a DIY one which is square, i can not get a wide shot from it, it does work well for macro tho. I really love the top down shots (usually taken at an angle) showing the whole tank. colours look so much better than front on.

Nice pics BTW

 

[kaserpick]

i can raise it approx 50cm (20") from the surface.

I know it's a wide light, but what if you raised it the whole 50 cm and tried taking some shots? You could even angle the light just a bit to find the right angle you need. I hope that helps/works. I love top-down shots, too. :thumbsup: