Moonlight building workshop?

[Jason]

I posted this in another thread but thought I would repost to see what everyone thinks.

I've been looking into putting moonlights on my tanks for some time now but I'm very visual (as I'm sure many others are) when it comes to DIY stuff. I'm thinking it might be a good idea if a workshop of sorts could be worked into a future OVAS meeting. Perhaps if organized properly a list of materials could be posted and people could order what they need in advance. At the meeting we could set up a bunch of tables like with the auction and people could work in small groups.

Just a thought!

[darkdep]

What a fantastic idea.  I don't know if we've ever done a hands-on workshop at an OVAS meeting before...

[bitterman]

Jason if you need help making a set of moonlights, I may be able to help you. Here is a pic of the set I built for my 172 Gallon tank. This pic is slightly darker then the real thing, but tank pics of moonlights on tank is very difficult to get the correct look.



Bruce

[beowulf]

I would be all for this.

[Adam]

I'm going to be doing this in the next couple of weeks.  I posted this in the lighting schedule thread:

If you want to enjoy your nighttime viewing, order some moonlights.  I just did on ebay for $30 dollars, and it did it for 2 aquariums. 

http://cgi.ebay.ca/DUAL-12-ULTRA-BRIGHT-BLUE-COLD-CATHODE-LIGHT-CCFL-KIT_W0QQitemZ180061871318QQihZ008QQcategoryZ51064QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

$1.95 before shipping isn't too bad 

There is a good article here: 

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_moonlight.php

I'm going to use a 9V, 1 Ampere converter, probably from some component store.  Maybe I'll get it so I can dim it if need be, or raise the intensity.  I'll mount them in my home depot strip lights, as in the article.  Some double sided tape, a small hole for the wires in the reflector, and poof. I can take pictures while I go along, provided someone is interested.  I'm not super-handy, but it is A LOT easier than what it seems like.  Something to remember for people like me who can't throw together a stand that looks/works better than a LFS stand/do much DIY.

I paid ~$30CND including shipping for 2 of the kits.  They include 2 12" elements, which will be just enough, and all the components...except the converter I believe.  One will go on my 75 gallon paludarium, the other on my 60 gallon high tanganyika.  They are in the mail, but should be arriving any day now.

I'll have them running constantly, on 30 minutes before the main lights go off, and 30 minutes after the main lights come on.  No huge breaks in lighting.


I will take pictures, make a list of components, prices, etc...I can post my successes and difficulties once I finish. 

The problem with a moonlight workshop is that...well, if you have a 48 inch or 72 inch light, it would be difficult to transport it back and forth, as well as all the components, and enough tools for everyone, space for a 48 inch/72 inch striplight...You would need a lot of tables.

However, it could work really well if there were smaller elements and enough tools were shared.

Adam

[Rudy00]

awesome idea for the club!!

[groan]

Adam, I'd definately be intrested to see how you make out.

[az]

I'm going to be doing this in the next couple of weeks.  I posted this in the lighting schedule thread:

If you want to enjoy your nighttime viewing, order some moonlights.  I just did on ebay for $30 dollars, and it did it for 2 aquariums. 

http://cgi.ebay.ca/DUAL-12-ULTRA-BRIGHT-BLUE-COLD-CATHODE-LIGHT-CCFL-KIT_W0QQitemZ180061871318QQihZ008QQcategoryZ51064QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

$1.95 before shipping isn't too bad 

There is a good article here: 

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_moonlight.php
Adam

there is not much diy involved with this kit, but def worth every penny, i think you can get these at local computer stores too but wont be as cheap.

[babblefish1960]

I got all of mine from the Cooler Guys in Washington, even with shipping it was pretty affordable, local stores just don't seem to have them anymore, that I could find. They are an easy solution that give a nice glow, and they do not take up much space at all in the hood.

[Melody]

This guy got his at Canadian Tire.  They're all the rage it seems  .

[bitterman]

How many nm are the cold cathod lights? Natural moon light is about 470-475nm from what I have read, that is why I went with LED's. If you want a dimmer on a LED you need to do PWM Basically makes a square wave to trun the leds on and off quickly. they are also used for speed controllers for DCmotors.)

Bruce