Tank Dimming Techniques...

[rsandelius]

What are you guys' favorite methods for dimming the lights in your tanks?

 

[joeytoe]

I typically just use cardboard to create dark areas, Ive yet to try a dimmer on my Flouresant lights.

 

[rsandelius]

Cool. That would be cheaper than trying to find pond lillypads to float around in the tank... lol

 

[DiXoN]

you could try putting electricians tape around sections of the tube.
i actualy just buy tubes that are not long enough so i have darker spots at each end

 

[wolfrocco]

get a lutron table top dimmer for incandescent tops you can lower the light level that way

im going to install a vapor tight fixture with a Dimming ballast for the fluorescent lamps

 

[dacox]

I've used black garbage bags. Just put a layer of them below the lights and it gives you a blueish, twilight sorta look.

 

[vanimate]

i just stick some newspaper btw the light and tank.

 

[TankBuster]

I have to red lights on my tank and all the nocturnal fish come out like crazy, it is the coolest thing. So try adding red with some low watt white lights, maybe red on one side and white on the other. Just a thought. Or maybe white in the back and red up front.

 

[rsandelius]

I just got an idea... you know those "flowing" Christmas lights? What if you put those up in there above the glass (take out the existing bulb(s)), then put a colored gel (colored transparent plastic sheet) underneath? I bet if you used a really dark blue or red gel, you could get some SWEET lighting effects! Maybe even use some of the cardboard like you guys previously mentioned to get that cutout/dark spot effects!

MAN! Now I want to go out and make one!

 

[davo]

floating plants, adds something to the tank and does the job (obv cant do if top level fish) there are a lot of variety, not necessarily lillies lol