My DIY fuge light

M

Marine1

New Member
Okay folks, here is my ghetto DIY fuge light for my new BC29. I got all my material from Home Depot. It cost around $25, so before I put it together I may take it back and just buy the compact fluorescent light ($28) like the galaxy one?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... catid=8154

DIY items:

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj16 ... G_3762.jpg

So this is my plan:

Hook the ceramic socket to the 8ft replacement cord (has wires exposed)

Use a fluorescent bulb rated at 5500k

Use a metal junction box to house the light

Put that unsightly thing in a black paint tray

Velcro the paint tray (with light set-up inside) to the back of the BC29 (after scraping the black stuff off the back of the tank of course)

Hook it up to a timer and Vwalla! :thinkerg


OH, does anyone know if the Aquamend (underwater repair epoxy putty stick) in the picture is saltwater inhabitant safe???? It was under $3 at Home Depot, so I thought I'd get some to have in case I need to glue rocks together or corals to rocks.

I also plan on using the aquarium sealant to block the lower intake vent in the back of the BC29 (scrape it off smooth) so all the water entering the filter compartment will be skimmed through the top vent.
 
R

reefman23

New Member
Your shutterfly link isnt working for me. The aquamend is safe for your tank. I have used it in the past.

The fuge light sounds good to me. Keep us updated.

Jesse
 
M

Marine1

New Member
The shutterfly isn't working?????? Hmmmm, is it because I'm using a MAC?

I closed out and then reopened the thread and it works fine for me.
 
R

reefman23

New Member
Marine1 said:
Oh duh. LOL

I changed it to photobuckets. Try the second link again (above)
Click to expand...
Cool... that works. Will the light/socket fit in the electrical box? If so, that should be perfect. If it is going behind the tank, I wouldnt even worry about disguising it with the black plastic paint tray.

Jesse
 
M

Marine1

New Member
Good point about the paint tray. Yah, I'm going to have to mod the hole a bit to get the socket in the box.

Do you think it would be better to just get the compact fluorescent light like the galaxy one and fix it to the back?
 
R

reefman23

New Member
Marine1 said:
Good point about the paint tray. Yah, I'm going to have to mod the hole a bit to get the socket in the box.

Do you think it would be better to just get the compact fluorescent light like the galaxy one and fix it to the back?
Click to expand...
I think what you have will work just fine. The bulb will probably be cheaper to replace than the galiaxy lamp too. You can probably just spray paint the metal box if you wanted to. I personally wouldnt worry about it unless your tank in in an area where the rear is easily seen. I personally havent seen the back of my AP since I set it up!

Jesse
 
M

Marine1

New Member
Another good point about the $$ of the bulbs. I have some black spray paint for metal, so I'll probably do that.

Thanks so much for your input! :maitre
 
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