Opinions needed for new lighting idea

[AbranV]

I'm getting close to the end of my PCF tank build and starting to look into some lighting options on Ebay. I came across some of the LED light strips with the adhesive backs and got to thinking about how to use something like this.

I'm thinking about sticking them on the top underneath the lip of the front and two sides of the tank.

They come in 6500k, and are cut to size.

Any thoughts on using these type of lights?

Many thanks
-A

[Mentat]

It's impossible to evaluate product without a link to it. AquaTraders has many types of 6500K LED fixtures at great prices .

[DigitalPunk]

The most common way I have seen them used is externally stuck to a strip or wood more metal. This removes the light from possible moisture exposure that could eventually cause you some major problems.

I would want to know more about these strips before I said for sure that they would be what you are needed. Also would want to know the size of enclosure you plan to use them on. Odds are for this to be a viable option you would need more than 2 of the strips.

More information requested

[AbranV]

This isn't the exact one I was looking at but its very similar. I apologize if the link doesn't work. I'm cutting and pasting with my phone. The lights are for a 20g long aquarium.



5050 IP65 Waterproof 6500K 5M 500CM SMD LED Strip Light Cool White 300 LEDs 12V | eBay

[Mentat]

Sound like accent lights and myself would not spend money on them. Also, appears you are buying just the lights and will need to get a power supply and/or ballast for them .

[deranged chipmunk]

They might work. Not sure if I would want my lights attached to the lid though. You lose adjustability. I am constantly moving my lights around to maximize exposure to all of my plants. Fixating them takes that away. I would say if they aren't off the wall expensive, to give it a shot and let us know how they work


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[DigitalPunk]

I think they are worth a shot, but would fashion something to attach them to i could move around or move to a new tank in the even this one gets replaced.

Let us know if you get them and how they work out for you!

[AbranV]

Thanks for the input!

@Bill. As always, your two cents is worth a million bucks! I was actually thinking of mounting them on the tank itself, not the lid. But I hadn't considered having the ability to move the lights.

@Paul. Thank you sir. I have an empty 10gal. I can experiment with first.


I've been keeping my eye on these type of lights for a couple years now for accent lighting for my pond, and more recently a "permanent" Christmas light option. Some kits are RGB+W and come with a remote that you can pretty much do anything with. I just didn't think about vivarium use until yesterday. The set I'm looking at is similar to the link, but comes complete with power for $18.

I'm a designer/craftsman by trade and can't help myself but go outside the box with things. Since I'm dealing with the health of live plants and animals, I thought I would check with the experts first. Keeping my 'phibs happy and healthy is priority one.

Thanks again for the help, I'm sure I'll be asking for more soon!