I need ideas for a DIY moonlight fixture

Discussion in 'I made this!' started by Camkha1234, Jul 11, 2012.

to remove this notice and enjoy 3reef content with less ads. 3reef membership is free.

  1. Camkha1234

    Camkha1234 Great Blue Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2012
    Messages:
    2,818
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    I just put some moonlights together and need to figure out how to put them above my tank. I was thinking of clamping them on the back of the tank, but don't know what to use for a clamp. I was also going to put them under a piece of wood and have acrylic under that, but was told the wood would rot. What materials could I use to put the moonlights on?

    I'd love to hear your ideas!
     
  2. Click Here!

  3. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2011
    Messages:
    3,499
    Location:
    Northern, IL
  4. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2009
    Messages:
    4,551
    Location:
    Florida
    If you do go with wood, you can coat the wood in a clear polyurethane of some sort (I.E. deck covering).
     
  5. Camkha1234

    Camkha1234 Great Blue Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2012
    Messages:
    2,818
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Is there one single fixture that I could put all four of the moonlights on? If it matters, these aren't specifically made for aquariums. They are just some LED's that I had bought.
     
  6. Camkha1234

    Camkha1234 Great Blue Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2012
    Messages:
    2,818
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    That might work. Should I put acrylic or glass under the LED's for salt upcreep?
     
  7. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2011
    Messages:
    3,499
    Location:
    Northern, IL
  8. Click Here!

  9. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2009
    Messages:
    4,551
    Location:
    Florida
    How high up are you mounting them? It may not really be necessary.
     
  10. Kevin_E

    Kevin_E Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Apr 30, 2009
    Messages:
    4,551
    Location:
    Florida
  11. Camkha1234

    Camkha1234 Great Blue Whale

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2012
    Messages:
    2,818
    Location:
    Orlando, FL
    Thanks. I'll need to talk to my parents to see if they'll order one. I'm not sure if they will, though.

    It looks like its between this and the coated wood. Would I be able to paint the wood, and does a clamp like what I'm talking about exist?
     
  12. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2011
    Messages:
    3,499
    Location:
    Northern, IL
    Well the thermal pads transfer heat from the LED to the heat sink. So you will need some form of a heat sink.

    I personally have 2 LEDs on my BC and it's really bright.