Homemade Lighting System?

[MarbleShark]

I was wondering if anyone has made their own. I went to the store and I saw what they are selling for lighting systems and it does not to me seem that hard.

• Build a box that can fit over the tank and sit smoothly
• Mount two fluorescent bulbs.. one night and one day.. and independant power cords so that they can be regulated on a timer
• Fan on either end.. I was told one inflow and one outflow would keep it cooler (thoughts?)
• Hinge opening in front and cuts in the back so that stuff on the back can go into the tank.
• Stain it to match stand.

What do you all think? Has anyone had any luck with doing something like this? I would love any schematics or input. I have a 55 Gallon 48 long. I want to make something that I will not have to upgrade in a few months and will be able to support anenomes... possibly coral later.

[fish outa wata]

I am in the same boat, I would like to know if there are others that have done this already.

[wozza]

ok if you want anenomes i should imagin you will need more than just two fluorescent bulbs they need a shed load of light, i would say 150wt metal halide min.
other than that i reckon it will be fine!

[Randy]

I have 2 tanks with DIY lighting. I use IceCap 660, VHO lights, UV resistant silicone rubber end caps, clear florescent shatter protection sleeves, Click Clamps and common 12v automotive Insulated Butt Connector.

IceCap 660:


VHO Lights:


UV Resistant Silicone Caps:


Clear Sleeves:


Click Clamps:


12v Connectors:


I solder the wires to the connectors using a soldering torch w/solder. Soldering Irons will not work. Slide the VHO bulbs into the clear sleeves. Puncture the end of the rubber caps and push the connector/wire through the cap. Shove the connector onto the connection pins on the VHO bulbs. Slide the rubber caps over the clear sleeves and pull out any slack in the wires. Now just install the Click Clamps and clip the sleeves into place. DONE.

Many people think that the 12v connectors are a weak link. They definitely are not. I have had this setup in place for over 3 years and absolutely no ill effects what so ever. If you read the specs on the back of the box, I believe they are rated for super high voltage or something like that.

I made the mistake of using aluminum flashing under the canopy as a reflector which corrodes rather quickly and definitely looses its reflectivity. I would never suggest using this material. I would suggest using anything that will not corrode like smooth white UV resistant plastic sheet or large PVC that is cut in half.