DIY Light

[nfored]

I want to get a little more light on my planted tank, but the light fixtures are to big to get two more lights over my tank.

So what I wanted to do was take apart the fixtures and make my own, my question is does any one know how close together I can pack the lights? I was thinking one fingers width apart so I can twist them into place.

What I wanted to do was get some acrylic two way mirror put the bulbs under the reflective side, and put the 3 ballast on the other side. I want to end up with 6 48" T8 lamps in a 16inch space. I know if can put the lamps close enough together I can do it.

Any thoughts or problems you see?

Heck I might even throw on a moonlight while I am at it.

 

[nfored]

B.U.M.P

 

[neoprodigy]

canopee is the best way to go..

 

[mrunlucky07]

Have you thought about overdriving the lights so instead of running 3 ballast to 6 bulbs, you are running 3 ballast to 3 bulbs? It almost doubles the light output of each bulb so you get similar lumens from half the bulbs of a normal output system. More light, less space.

These 2 bulbs are both $3 6500k bulbs, the overdriven one gives a much whiter brighter light.

 

[ghengis]

I was thinking one fingers width apart so I can twist them into place.

You would need to make them at least the length of the metal contact/screw mount section, PLUS the one finger width, apart, otherwise they will calsh when you try to insert or remove each bulb...

 

[ironhide]

this is what i made for my 180 tank still not up but i just finished the lights
it's a t8 high output system running on electronic ballast,with a polished reflector
6 bulbs f32 the color temp is 5000k
drops on top of my canopy

just an idea i spent $60 total,but thats only because i do electrical work for the vendor

 

[nfored]

So If i wanted to over drive what I have I could just buy two more $10 fixtures remove the balast and then rewire it all together getting double.

I have previously read alot about ODX2 but my fear is they keep warning about the start up wire *sorry I fogot the technical name* and how it can make the lamp burn out quick or catch on fire. Has anyone here don a ODx2 that can give me some pointers or a link?

 

[nfored]

the above cannopy look like the bulbs are really spaced apart, I think over driving will be the way to go, this way I can keep it looking stock.

I will do some more research on OD tonight.

 

[nfored]

filament current is what i was talking about, this seems to be the tricky part.

 

[mrunlucky07]

Has anyone here don a ODx2 that can give me some pointers or a link?

It is surprisingly easy. I have been using it on two tanks with good results.

Here is a pretty comprehensive thread on ODNO.

http://www.geocities.com/overdrive_lights/