Post by fishsauce on Jan 19, 2014 13:25:12 GMT -5
I had bought a 29 gallon tank but it did not come with lighting. I know I could have bought a 30 inch light already made but i didn't want to spend the money for a t5 setup. I decided to make my own lighting out of gutter materials. I was able to use the light sockets and power cord off of an old light fixture that was laying around the house. You could really do whatever kind of lighting you want. I was thinking doing my own t5 but the ballasts aren't cheap. I'm running three 23w cfl 6500k bulbs right now. That's getting me 2.379 watts per gallon. Pretty good for the amount it cost. It was also good experience building it and just satisfying to see the end result.
All material that i had to buy:
- 10foot gutter(i wish they would sell smaller lengths)
- 2 gutter end caps(left and right)
- 4 gutter brace
- pack of self tapping screws
- really good on/off switch(it was $8. i'm sure i could have recycled one of an old appliance)
- 4 pieces of reflective flashing
- 1 downspout strap
With tax it cost me about $43 without the sockets. I'm pretty sure the socket pigtails at lowes are around $5. I used 3 in my fixture.
step 1: cut the length needed and put on end caps. hacksaw and patience is what i used.
step 2: place in you flashing. it's used to reflect the light and act as a heat shield.
step 3: place the braces. the braces are where the sockets mount and also add strength to the gutter. i had to space them so i could get the bulbs in and have them somewhat centered.
step 4: make the socket brackets out of the forth piece of flashing and self tap them to braces. use tin snips and a hole saw of some sort. pre-drill the braces.
step 5: cut a hole in the back of the gutter to allow access for electrical and vent heat. use the downspout strap to cover the hole and wires. i drilled a bunch of small holes in the back to vent the heat.
step 6: drill two holes in the back of the gutter to mount the switch and main power cord.
step 7: wire it up. run all wires under the heat shield to the back of the gutter. there are different ways to wire lights. use caution on wiring. if you're not sure you can go to any home improvement store and they should be able to help you out.
step 8: put the lights in.....and.....PLUG IT IN!!!! hopefully there is no fire. maybe have a fire extinguisher nearby.
step 9: paint it whatever colour you want.
step 10: re-arrange the steps so "paint" is after you get the length cut but before the switch and wires are in. now i have to take it apart so i don't spray paint the switch or wires.
The light is holding up awesome. It's a newly planted tank but my plants seem to be doing good and no fires. I'm gonna start scavenging for recycled parts for another one. Maybe next time i'll do a t5 set-up since i still have 7 feet of gutter left.
The tank is still a little cloudy from moving the substrate. I need to find some small grasses for in front of my drift wood.
Now we will see how she fills in.
It really didn't take me long to make this. I'm guessing but probably only about 2-3 hours without paint.
Scott
All material that i had to buy:
- 10foot gutter(i wish they would sell smaller lengths)
- 2 gutter end caps(left and right)
- 4 gutter brace
- pack of self tapping screws
- really good on/off switch(it was $8. i'm sure i could have recycled one of an old appliance)
- 4 pieces of reflective flashing
- 1 downspout strap
With tax it cost me about $43 without the sockets. I'm pretty sure the socket pigtails at lowes are around $5. I used 3 in my fixture.
step 1: cut the length needed and put on end caps. hacksaw and patience is what i used.
step 2: place in you flashing. it's used to reflect the light and act as a heat shield.
step 3: place the braces. the braces are where the sockets mount and also add strength to the gutter. i had to space them so i could get the bulbs in and have them somewhat centered.
step 4: make the socket brackets out of the forth piece of flashing and self tap them to braces. use tin snips and a hole saw of some sort. pre-drill the braces.
step 5: cut a hole in the back of the gutter to allow access for electrical and vent heat. use the downspout strap to cover the hole and wires. i drilled a bunch of small holes in the back to vent the heat.
step 6: drill two holes in the back of the gutter to mount the switch and main power cord.
step 7: wire it up. run all wires under the heat shield to the back of the gutter. there are different ways to wire lights. use caution on wiring. if you're not sure you can go to any home improvement store and they should be able to help you out.
step 8: put the lights in.....and.....PLUG IT IN!!!! hopefully there is no fire. maybe have a fire extinguisher nearby.
step 9: paint it whatever colour you want.
step 10: re-arrange the steps so "paint" is after you get the length cut but before the switch and wires are in. now i have to take it apart so i don't spray paint the switch or wires.
The light is holding up awesome. It's a newly planted tank but my plants seem to be doing good and no fires. I'm gonna start scavenging for recycled parts for another one. Maybe next time i'll do a t5 set-up since i still have 7 feet of gutter left.
The tank is still a little cloudy from moving the substrate. I need to find some small grasses for in front of my drift wood.
Now we will see how she fills in.
It really didn't take me long to make this. I'm guessing but probably only about 2-3 hours without paint.
Scott