DIY red/blue LED

[dingusplease]

Hi AA,

Just thought I'd share an idea I had for a fuge light. I have an LED lamp that makes a harsh, white light, but that should grow my Chaeto. Today, I modded it to make a nicer light.

First, I removed the plastic face plate, exposing the led bulbs. I then colored about 1/2 red and half blue, with a sharpie. Just color allover the bulb. The light now creates a red/blue light that looks very nice. I didn't know it could be so easy!

 

[Illinois Rock]

good idea, haha. Easy!

 

[andresdeo]

Hi, was this done for aesthetics only? Because by painting the LEDs I would think you are reducing the light output, not changing the spectrum they emit. Someone correct me if this is not the case.

 

[dingusplease]

Hi, was this done for aesthetics only? Because by painting the LEDs I would think you are reducing the light output, not changing the spectrum they emit. Someone correct me if this is not the case.

Thanks for pointing this out! I admit I don't know very much about lighting other than the basics, however your explanation makes sense.

And yes, I def didn't color this light to change the spectrum, just to not shine so harshly.
The fuge, just with this led desk light, currently houses a bunch of macro/gha/cyano. So far none has noticeably reached my DT

I think this light is different in spectrum of course from my main lights, and lower in spectrum at that (which puts it roughly in the optimum range for plant growth)

 

[dingusplease]

good idea, haha. Easy!

Thanks the colors actually faded over time, so I recolored it again w/ darker sharpie