Does anyone know where I can find a construction journal or site that can explain to me how to build a custom light box for the top of our 40 breeder?? I was considering making a canopy to fit the top of it, and trying to figure out how to make one so I can incorporate 4 sockets for CFL bulbs. I know you can get the light sockets at Lowes, HD, etc.. but I know nothing about electrical and want to find a good detailed explanation on building this. I know this will solve our lighting issues if I am able to place bulbs where I want them over the top of the enclosure. HELP!!
i dont know anywhere particular, but youtube or goggle for a DYI custom lighting fixture. You will usually find alot of good ideas...or atleast a good starting direction !
I looked on google for 2 hours last night. finally gave up. lol. too much trying to teach me how to make a lamp or something. nothing to show me to make a custom light box. so meh. oh well!
Try googling DIY aquarium light canopy you might find more info and plans with that search term since most of the DIY reefers build their own light boxes for their tanks.
ive built a bunch of cfl fixtures. PM me and i'll give you my phone number i'd be happy to discuss it via phone. i just dont have the energy right now to type a 1000 word response.
building a cfl fixture is easy, and can be done without breaking the bank, but there are some things to consider...
are you planning on mounting the lights vertically (which seem to produce better light) or horizontally (this will save a LOT of space)?
how do you plan on building the housing? it needs to be durable and made of a material that wont be at risk of catching fire or degrading substantially (including melting). these lamps may seem cool, but they WILL destroy components with the heat they produce.
i like to make fixtures out of aluminum when i can. sheets can be sourced locally for about $40-80 and can be cut with a razor blade (if thin enough). the metal is flimsy but incorporating bends (which you can also do at home with reasonable results using very few tools) will create structure and create surprisingly sturdy housings out of otherwise flimsy sheet. this also means that you have a decent diffusion/ reflection surface w/o other preparation. MDF also makes a decent housing and can be glued together easily. this can be painted with FLAT white paint.
i personally like to use the small black sockets available at the hardware store that have a small metal L bracket attached to the back. the bracket has a hole which i use to thread a bolt through. a long spacer is slid over the bolt to create a gap between the housing and the bulb. then the bolt is placed through the housing and tightened with a nut.
wiring is important with CFLs. they MUST be wired in parallel. the + to+ and - to-.
chaining the bulbs will result in a failure to fully ignite the bulbs. you should ideally run wires outside the housing since the wire sheathing will degrade in the heat and eventually become a serious fire and electrical hazard. you should also affix ring terminals to the wire and heat shrink over this to ensure your safety. always make sure that the wire your using is rated for the total amount of watts youll be using!!
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Custom lighting??
D. Leucs "Fine Spotted" 
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R. flavovittata 
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Ranitomeya Imitator 'Varadero' 
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