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NFC: Re: DIY (Cheap) hood/light



Tip:
Instead of more paint on the inside try some self adhesive, insulating Mylar
tape.  Gives a lot more light into the tank.  Will also help protect the
wood.
Sam
----- Original Message -----
From: Kudzu <Kudzu at airnet_net>
To: NFC <nfc at actwin_com>; <nanfa at aquaria_net>
Sent: Friday, November 06, 1998 8:46 PM
Subject: NFC: DIY (Cheap) hood/light


>I have almost completed a new hood for my 20 long in my
>office and I am finishing up one for the 55 at the Church. I
>used 1" pine boards to make the top and sides. I took an old
>desk lamp apart and used the fluorescent light end caps and
>mounted them to a strip of wood inside the hood. Total cost
>was around 5 dollars for wood (with enough left over to
>build another!) Ballast was $15 and two 24 inch bulbs were
>$5. Still have to buy some hinges for the top and stain for
>the finish.
>
>For less than $35 I will have a tight fitting hood with 40
>watts of light. (lots of light for growing plants) I have
>spent maybe 4-5 hours labor so far on it. I still have to
>finish the outside and put another coat of white paint on
>the inside so 8-10 hours total time? I think it would be
>hard to beat for the money!
>
>I have been taking pictures as I go and once finished I want
>to create a page showing how I made these. The only thing I
>don't like is the 1" thickness is a bit large on a small
>tank like this. 1/2 plywood would make a better looking
>choice I think.
>
>Jeff <*\\><
>Old Bedouin saying: "Trust God, but tie up your camel, lest
>you lose it."
>
>