DIY low profile & cost effective refugium light w/pic!

Discussion in 'I made this!' started by Biocube, Mar 4, 2012.

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  1. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    Northern, IL
    So I needed to upgrade my JBJ LED Refugium light because it was not enough light for my new 5.5 gallon refugium. I only had 3 inches height to work with due to me being picky and wanting to keep the stock shelf installed. I have posted a link of each product you will need in order to make this cool 10 min or less DIY. Now I know some of you larger tank guys are thinking "Why not just go out and buy a Utility Light..." Well to answer your question... I wanted to do a DIY for fun.. :) Oh and I no longer use API tests, I proudly use Red Sea testing equipment. ;)

    What you will need:
    Shop SERVALITE 250-Watt Black Hard-Wired Lamp Socket at Lowes.com

    Shop Raco 2-Gang Metal Square Electrical Box at Lowes.com

    Shop Cooper Wiring Devices 15-Amp 125-Volt Black 2-Wire Plug at Lowes.com

    Shop Southwire 18/2 LAMP CORD BLACK LFT at Lowes.com

    Shop Utilitech 4-Pack 60-Watt Equivalent Daylight Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb at Lowes.com

    And here are the pics of my install, there is not much to look at but I thought why not post pics. Every thread should have pics.

    Before:
    [​IMG]

    Before height:
    [​IMG]

    After:
    [​IMG]

    After height:
    [​IMG]

    Build:
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2012
    Biocube, Mar 4, 2012
    Biocube, Mar 4, 2012
    #1
    1 person likes this.

    2. Click Here!

  2. chelseagrin

    chelseagrin Fire Goby

    Joined:
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    great looking fuge, have you though of simply adding a par38 from the store, not one intended for aquarium use to light the fuge. that can also result in a very clean sleak look.
     
    chelseagrin, Mar 4, 2012
    chelseagrin, Mar 4, 2012
    #2
  3. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    I only had 3 inches to work with if I did a PAR38 with adapter I would have been well past 3 inches. Thats why I was forced to make something like this.


    Thanks! :) The fuge is new, its way too clean ;)
     
    Biocube, Mar 4, 2012
    Biocube, Mar 4, 2012
    #3
  4. Dead ice

    Dead ice Astrea Snail

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    Gloversville NY
    Looks amazing ... do you think Heat will become an issue?
     
    Dead ice, Mar 4, 2012
    Dead ice, Mar 4, 2012
    #4
  5. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    It may but I don't think so, I have two fans installed into the back of my stand. It's only a 15 watt cf bulb, but I'll post back in a few days with updates.
     

    Attached Files:

    Biocube, Mar 4, 2012
    Biocube, Mar 4, 2012
    #5
  6. chelseagrin

    chelseagrin Fire Goby

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    great work in working with the space youve got!
     
    chelseagrin, Mar 4, 2012
    chelseagrin, Mar 4, 2012
    #6

    7. Click Here!

  7. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    Thanks again!! I really enjoy the challenge of owning a Biocube and learning how to deal with small spaces.
     
    Biocube, Mar 4, 2012
    Biocube, Mar 4, 2012
    #7
  8. Thatgrimguy

    Thatgrimguy Flying Squid

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    Great job! Smart diy!
     
    Thatgrimguy, Mar 4, 2012
    Thatgrimguy, Mar 4, 2012
    #8
  9. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    So I did some readings and the temp directly on the bulb is 205.5 F the foil is reading 87.4 F and the box is reading only 75.4 F. So from what it looks like there might not be any heat issues.

    Thanks!
     
    Biocube, Mar 4, 2012
    Biocube, Mar 4, 2012
    #9
  10. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    Been on since 9pm and its 1am now, no rise in water temp. All is well!
     
    Biocube, Mar 4, 2012
    Biocube, Mar 4, 2012
    #10
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