Looking for the User with raingutter light set up

Angel079

Pull saw I think hubby has one so that's good. I used these Metal cutters before that sorta look like scissors but that didn't seem to be the right tool really.

I have no glass over the tank that's correct. I have sheet plexi glass over it; over the tank & between it and the lights so that's alright I'd think!?

I also think now I'll go ahead do both ends so if I wanted to move the tank to a different spot a year from now I won't have to work it again. Nop our ACE sells them individual for a few cents each Gotta LOVE a small town hixville ACE store, they have soooo much stuff for my fish tanks.

PS Thanks for all your help man its REALLY appreciated!!!

zof

I think they are called Tin snips among a multitude of other names, sorry I love useless information :)

beetlebz

as long as you got something to keep the light from falling in the water and electrocuting the fish you are good be it glass or plexi lol

tin snips work, i have super duty cut anything scissors i use, saws of most types work, i might even make a jig out of wood to use for a saw just for kicks :)

and im happy to help angel!! if you get stick on anything dont be afraid to ask... i can take pictures of my wiring and what not if you need also. and post pics!

Taz

Hi Angel - Hope they answer, sounds interesting. If not, my guess is if your normal light canopy has vent slats, there should be something similar in a homemade version.

Angel079

No thanks I done this many yrs ago in my early yrs during a w/c somehow kicked the lights in the tank and WHAT do I do for the sake of my fish I reach RIGHT IN the water and snatch it outta there cause of thinking *poor fish*....boy did I get a big ear full from hubby on that one never happened again thou

I still hadn't worked on the lights all there is right now over the 55g is sheet plexi glass and the shoplight...I'm just torn if I should refinish the old wood one (pic's on my log) OR do the rain gutter OR do something entirely else OR to buy a brand new 4ft hood outta plastic Its just non of the options that are on the table are 'the perfect fit' for what I want with the 55g somehow if that makes any sense to anyone but me

beetlebz

yes and no. on my 20L planted i had 4 18 watt CFLs with no vents and it got a little warm, no big issues though. i would worry about the plastic getting warm and discoloring over time, but it isnt going to burst into flames lol

Angel079

In my non- technical brain I'd think that the normal black plastic hoods that always house t8's that have the vent slots on the top VS a metal rain gutter that doesn't really require it as it won't deform under heat like the plastic does.

beetlebz

I use plastic rain gutter actually. its cheap and all the parts snap on :) and the inside is white too, so it doesnt have any reflective hot spots.

Taz

Hi beetlebz;
Any pics of your rain gutter light? Is there special voltage attachments or what? Mmy hubby just gave me a lecture on how it would be cheaper to buy a new light cap then fix my old rusty ones & I just did the eye roll thing, and said maybe you could fix me up one then? How did you happen to think of rain gutters? That's a great idea.

beetlebz

someone else gave me the idea, ill have to review the old thread and see who it was to give credit, ill get back to you there.


If you have old aquarium strip lights it costs very little and is VERY easy to swap them over to screw in bulbs! all you need is a few tools and a little yankee know how. i can take pictures when i get home tonight of the various ones ive built out of rain gutters, one of these days ill do a picture journal of gutting and old strip light and rewiring it with new sockets :)