diy cheote light

[Coral Squad]

i am wanting to build an under the tank low cost high efficientce grow light
first i want to point out good deals bads deals
on cords and fixtures
alot of people go out and buy the clip lights with the metal reflectors
but i say why?? cause with the cfl lights they have aq built in reflector

so if you are building your own light and fixture
watch out or they will get you on a cord
dont buy this

buy this  same gauge and amp rating

it cost a buck fifty less  and you get an extra 17 feet of cord
buy a replacement end and you have a short extention cord or another project cord

ok parts needed... electrical box, cord, 2 light fixtures, wire nuts, box cover,
2 6500k bulbs

to start prepare the box

trim cord to desired length

but into box

install light fixtures

wite all together 

install bulbs

and power up

mount under tank on a board  and your set  also get a timer and run on a reverse light cycle
bulbs were  8.98 each
lamp holders 2.17 each
cord was 5.97
box and cover 2.77
i got extra plugs to have at2.17 each
and a bag of wirenuts for 2.69
time took about 15 min to build max
i just like to build stuff

[UD Flyer]

That's similar to the clip-on style but done the Time the Tool Man Taylor way. It looks super beef'd up and nice.

I think a lot of people buy the clip-on style because of the convenience of plug and play right from the start. 

[Coral Squad]

you feel more acomplished when you build it you self

[UD Flyer]

Yup, I feel the same way.

[rayviv]

Question: What say you guys? I thought that just one light would be fine over sump. (75gal)

[Rayman]

i guess it depends on the sump and what you are trying to do if you just need to light one lil compartment of the sump say where you are growing algae one should be fine. I think this set up would be ideal for the turf algae scrubber to light both sides of the screen with one unit

[rayviv]

thanks ray

[Rayman]

NP Ray! he he

[HUNGER]

nice job  i have 2 over my sump to but my sump is 60" long

[Coral Squad]

may be a lil overkill, if so i will just unscrew 1 bulb i have seen people use 1 and 2 lights  so i just did 2 to start

[Blown76mav]

Should have used plastic as the metal will corrode and rust.  But other than that it looks good.

[HUNGER]

Should have used plastic as the metal will corrode and rust.  But other than that it looks good.

good point didnt think about that

[Coral Squad]

rustolium
 and its what i had i will mor than likely get swaped in the future

[rayviv]

Think I'll do two bulb and just use one but have the second for just in case.

[Coral Squad]

1 bulb  growth  2 bulbs  super growth   

[HUNGER]

1 bulb  growth  2 bulbs  super growth   

good point

[Blown76mav]

rustolium
 and its what i had i will mor than likely get swaped in the future

I'm sure someone can make an acrylic holder.   Now if he only lived closed to ya....

[Coral Squad]

if only i could find someone
or i can just save the acrylic credit for somthing big  dont want to waste it all on a light holder   lol
i and to learn also   teach me teach me

[HUNGER]

o he will

[rayviv]

1 bulb  growth  2 bulbs  super growth   

Good way to put it.