JamesL

I made this with materials from Walmart for under $12.

First, I bought a 3pack of compact florescent bulbs, a bag of zip ties, a small extension cord with plug-ins on each side, and 2 socket adapters. I had a lid for a storage container laying around, so I used that as the actual hood. It works really well, however, I currently have an algae problem with my tank, but I suspect that the problem stems from my tank being close to my window, as opposed to the lights from my hood.

I also cut out a hole in the middle of the back so that the cord could fit through it instead of getting pinched by the top of the tank and the lid.

Attached Images

diyhood.jpg (56.5 KB, 61 views)

michaelb323

EWW! No splash guards and the wiring is interfacing to the bulbs just above the water? You better have safety outlets installed before you become a statistic.

suemvb

the bulbs are going to melt the plastic lid and if the electric isn't getting wet now it will be when the lid gets warped and the weight of the bulbs pulls the lid into the water.

I'm sorry to be critical but I would hate to see a kid try something like this, after seeing it on the internet and end up getting electrocuted.

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME

JamesL

The bulbs don't produce enough heat to warp the plastic lid (I've had it for over a month now and it's in the same condition as it started). The wiring is in no danger of having water seep into it as I sealed it off COMPLETELY and will therefore never electrocute anyone/thing inside or outside of the tank. The plastic is a quarter inch thick and therefore will NOT produce enough weight to pull the lid into the water. Lastly, those indents on the side of the lid are flush with the side of the tank and lift the lid out of the water to where the bulbs aren't going to be in the water. If it were a problem, it would be easily solved by taking out a negligible amount of water from the tank.

Slug

I'd put foil behind the bulbs to act as a mini reflector, maybe squeeze a bit more light out of them into the tank. I don't see much wrong myself.

iloveengl

My betta light that came with the hood doesn't have a cover and no electrocutions to date. I'm glad you found an affordable alternative.

I do think forum members should remember to frame their critiques as respectful constructive criticism.

JamesL

I've considered foil before, but the light the bulbs put off is pretty intense on their own. I also have an algae problem right now, so I feel like if I intensify the lighting, it'll just exacerbate the problem =/

suemvb

I'm surprised that you found my comment offensive but I stand behind what I said.

Fishlore has some young members that might try to copy what they see in this thread. Electricity and water don't mix. This looks unsafe. Your betta light is probably UL listed and is not quite the same thing.

Slug

Its covered, I don't see how water could get in. And also the wires are covered. Again I see no problem with this design, seems like a very low budget workable DIY. I would however make sure the bulbs are not touching the plastic. As long as you keep an eye on it I think it will be fine.

This is actually one of the more safer lighting projects i've seen and would recommend this to a younger keeper over messing with ballasts and retrofit kits, where you have to wire everything yourself.

aquarist48

Hello JamesL and Welcome to Fish Lore.I hope you can share some photos of your tank and fish with us.
Have a good day today and I hope you enjoy the site.
Ken

Nutter

Looks good. Just be careful that moisture from condensation does not penetrate into the socket where the bulb goes in or into the globes themselves where the glass enters the plastic. Other than that, which is only something to keep an eye on, it looks good to me.
As far as adding foil for a reflector, that would actually cut down on the amount of light that is being reflected. Foil only reflects about 50% of light as opposed to flat white which reflects about 75%. Foil is not good for a reflector as it will give bright spots in the reflected light. If you want to dull it down abit, you could use some black marine paint or the not so shiny side of foil to reduce the reflected light.

Looks like you have done a fairly good job.

Beth1965

James, thanks for sharing your work.
Have a good time on this forum.

Butterfly

Welcome to fishlore! We have members of all ages and experience levels from all over the world. Hope you enjoy your time here.
Carol

Shawnie

I also would like to welcome you to fishlore!!
Members..please remember to welcome new people to our site...instead of jumping in with good or bad advice thank you!