The $4.88 Neo Nano Lamp Mod

I love my Neo Nano Aquarium, but the back wall creates challenges for mounting a lamp that brings the bulb down to the ideal distance from the water surface. I have a Coralife Aqualight halide and the stock clamp raises the lamp too far - about 18" from the surface. So I came up with this mod today that allows you to use original parts and only 1 new bolt, nut, a 10" stair angle and 2 lock washers. Total cost: $4.88.



Steps to mod your Aqualight:

1) Remove clamp from lamp arm by removing bolt at pivot.
2) Remove the two smaller bolts that attach arm to reflector.
3) With bolts removed, flip reflector over so arm arcs the opposite way and put bolts back. This will twist wires, but not too bad.
4) Take new bolt, nut and lock washer and attach stair angle steel piece to original clamp as shown.
5) Take old bolt and attach stair angle to reflector.
6) Mount lamp to Neo Nano and adjust as necessary.

You are done.


Pieces needed for this mod:
1) 10" stair angle steel piece with 1/4 bolt holes
(http://www.hardwarestore.com/media/product/627067_front200.jpg)
2) one 1/4" bolt
3) one 1/4" nut
4) two lock washers

EXTRA (TO DO): black acrylic paint to cover steel and prevent rust.


I am fired up! I thought this would be a tough project. Came together when I saw the stair angle.


Remove the 2 bolts at reflector and flip the arm over. Then put bolts back.

 

Nice! Maybe get out the dremel and cut off the back piece so it doesn't stick out

 

Good idea. I will see if I get one of my friends to cut it. I don't have a dremel. I really should have one though.

 

It's like duct tape - necessity

 

Aye. I could use one all the time. But it really would bring the price of this mod up! ;D

 

You need to hide the cost of the dremel - in all the years of service it will provide you, and spread the cost of the dremel across all future projects ;D

 

Ok. It's on the list.

 

Great job Matt

 

Thanks!

I think when it is painted and the wires are tucked away it should look pretty good!

 

you could also take a dremel and cut a notch running the length of the strip to make it super adjustable, or just more holes. whatever floats your boat