idea for moonlights

[justDIY]

here's a diagram of how I think LED based moonlights could be constructed, in a manner which might survive saltwater for a good while.

all the parts you need for this can be had from www.bgmicro.com - i've ordered several times, always gotten great service.

they sell both blue leds and [acronym:8a91a5212a="Ultra Violet"]UV[/acronym:8a91a5212a] leds ... a combination might give you great effects on some of those fluorescent critters that live in saltwater.

check out the BIG 10mm high brightness led - it's large size makes it easier to mount and work with, plus it packs a big punch.

I didn't put in how much resistance you use, since it depends on the bulb you choose and how big a power supply you're using... I'd be happy to help on a case by case basis as much as I can - although it's been a while since i've done any circuits

Here's the diagram and some more comments:

Edit 8/15/[acronym:8a91a5212a="Actinic lighting"]03[/acronym:8a91a5212a] - Added an additonal diagram with comments on wiring.

[justDIY]

oh - as I thought up in chat last night, an idea for mounting the LEDs in a more protective package

[Hara]

Here are what my moonlights looked like following this plan...sorry bout the crappy pics and of course, the beautiful shimmer is not shown in the photos.

[c-bass]

Hara, How are your string of moonlights mounted. Can you post a pic of the strip? How much did it cost to build the moonlights?

[Hara]

well, it is not that pretty, truth be told. I used silicone globs to mount each group of three. I have the plastic wraparound that is standard with oceanic, so my mounting choices were limited. I just went around the edge of the canopy and up the center braces and sliconed. I will try to remember to get pics the next time i have the wraparound off.

[jayfl77]

You could also get some of the Cold Cathode Lights that are made for [acronym:0cff51fd49="Power compact fluorescent"]PC[/acronym:0cff51fd49]'s. They range from 6-20" long and hook them up to a 12v power supply.

[justDIY]

i do that now with my 30 gallon ... only problem with neon is you don't get the ripple effect from water turbulance.

They are also very bright which might confuse coral's breeding.

[Electrobes]

I have two oscars that will be going in a 100G tank, I want to use this as a kind of night light for them... would that be okay for the fish?

[peterp]

How hot do the leds get? Would it be possible to embed them in a pool of liquid acrylic?

If this would work my idea would be to lay out the lights in a shaow tray and flood it with the acrylic. You would end up with a solid clear bar that should be quite waterproof, only drawback is it is kind of oneway, if something dosen't work you are stuck.

Or maybe possible to have the leds stick out and only embed the wiring portion?

Me, electricity and water just don't get along.

[William]

I'd be leary about doing it to, peterp.

Electricity is NOT my friend, it has proven that many times over