DIY lighting sytem

[schema]

Hi all DIY maniacs,
I have started on a new lighting project for my 5-2-2 planted tank.
Need some comments (good, bad & uggly accepted) as I go along.

First off is,
Casing will be custom built to house 6 tubes of 55W PLL-size 360x1520.
Reflectors will salvage from office false ceiling box type lights (shiny, aluminium, 4 ft)
LED (blue) night lights in between PLLs, triggered by relay.
Built in 2 timers for "2 PLL ON/OFF" and "4 PLL ON/OFF" .
Height adjustable feet.
Fan for circuitry cooling .

That's it or now.

Mike

[tawauboy]

you'll need the fans to cool the light tubes more than circuitry cooling. the e-ballast (assuming you are using these) does not heat up much. it is the light tubes that heats up and the heat gets transferred to the tank water. use the fans to move the air between the light tubes and water surface.

adjustable height is good to have but not a necessity. do design a good fastener secure it in position.

and do keep us updated on your progress. any photos to share?
happy diy!

[schema]

ya, I know the tubes are hotter...

My design is such, upper section for circiutry, lower section for tubes.
Lower section got ventilation hole to suck air from outside,
the dividing partition (where the lights mounts) got holes for air to travel thru,
then finally hot air get purge by exhaust fan!

Adjustable foot got scrapped, making fixed foot for height of 8" from water surface....any comments? too high? My last Atman style PLL burnt my Java fern that was near the water surface.

Pics coming soon......battery flat today.

[tawauboy]

you have got thing thought out well.
waiting for pictures of your handiwork.

[schema]

Ok got some pics now, job is still missing exteriror work.


Salvage reflectors from office type ceiling lampset.



The skeleton of my lamp



Lamp in action, with this combo, I am trying to achieve, DAY, EVENING & NIGHT

[juggler]

Wow - good work! I am envious and can't wait to see the finished product.

[tawauboy]

looking good.
no fans to extract hot air from light tubes compartment?
keep us posted on your project.

[David Moses Heng]

Hi Bro Schema,

Saw your thread abt DIY lighting for a 5 feeter. But somehow i can't view the pics.

Do you mind sending the pics to me: [email protected].

Sorry for the trouble...