need some brainstorming help for my new build

[deranged chipmunk]

Ok, so here's the deal. I'm going to be starting the rebuild of my 125. I have 90% planned out, but i am stumped on 1 item. I want to create a rainbow in the tank. No, i don't want a painted rainbow, but a real rainbow. I was thinking about planting a submersible led low in the tank that would illuminate when the rain system comes in. Any idea on whether or not this will work?

[RabidWombat]

This is a neat idea! Have you tested it out to see if it's possible in such a small area?

I've got the LEDs that I just put together.. I'll throw a mister in front of them and see if anything happens. If you can get the basic positioning figured out it wouldn't be too hard to get an underwater housing for the light put together.

[deranged chipmunk]

no, i haven't tested it out. the idea came to me last night and it pretty much consumed all conscious thought today. i figured i would tap the wealth of knowledge on here and see what we can come up with. i also figured i would use one of those submersible accent led's they sell for the reefers. they are cheap enough. i just am not sure if the idea will work. i may pick one up this weekend and toss it in the mantella tank to see if it works. wish i still had my waterproof led flashlight, it would have been a crude test, but it might have given me some insight.

[Bdimas]

That's a unique and awesome idea. I agree with Rabid that you would have to figure out the correct angle. You might want to aim your light at a prism.

[deranged chipmunk]

i thought about a prism, as well as mirrors. what about a halogen spotlight? i can set it high and right or left, kind of like an artificial sun? or am i just not getting my head wrapped around this properly??

[Bdimas]

Yeah I was thinking of that too. Its probably going to be a lot of trial and error. I'm not sure if you would need a certain light spectrum or color temp...

[RabidWombat]

Bill, I have a bunch of scuba lights. I'll try a few out tonight along with my other LEDs.

Can you provide a link to the accent LEDs you're talking about? I would like to check them out.

[deranged chipmunk]

wow....i just spent a few moments on the physics forums. man, my brain hurts!!LOL apparently, to achieve the desired effect, the light needs to be behind the viewer and at roughly 61-62 degrees. that is, if i understood that correctly. now, i'm not dumb, but did i feel stupid there!!LOL

RW, here's one i saw at petsmart Marineland® Hidden LED Lighting System - Fish - Sale - PetSmart

[deranged chipmunk]

haha!! it can be done!! IMG_3903 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[Bdimas]

Lol! Thats a helluva contraption! So I guess you would need the lenses to get the right beam?

[deranged chipmunk]

yeah, my understanding is they focus the beam to the correct intensity. a lot of trial and error went into it. let's just say that creating a rainbow artificially in a tank is beyond my skill level and what i am willing to shell out for equipment.....LOL i'd rather drop the cash on some plants

[b24082]

Maybe you can even include a little leprechaun with a pot of gold under it....LOL.

[NatureLady]

wow....i just spent a few moments on the physics forums. man, my brain hurts!!LOL apparently, to achieve the desired effect, the light needs to be behind the viewer and at roughly 61-62 degrees. that is, if i understood that correctly. now, i'm not dumb, but did i feel stupid there!!LOL

Give me some linky's to skim over what you were reading. I'll dust off my college physics know how and see if I can wrap my mind around it. Lol...just kidding...my mind hurts just typing this. HEHEHEHE...ok, no really send me some.

[RabidWombat]

I played around with a few different lights, at different angles/positions. I couldn't get any rainbows going. soooo you may need to break out the protractor and be scientific about it.

Good luck with it and please keep us updated if you figure it out!