DIY GU10 LED grow light fixture

[dirtdobber06]

I am constructing a light fixture to use over my refugium tank to grow my algae better. I am building this to see how it works and I have purchased enough of the sockets to construct a light for my in-wall 120 ga. if this goes well. I give credit to mccarroll for the idea and information. Pictures of construction:

 

[dirtdobber06]

 

[dirtdobber06]

 

[dirtdobber06]

 

[mcarroll]

Love it!

 

[dirtdobber06]

Thanks for you help on this. Have a friend coming to help/advise on the wiring. Ordered the grow bulbs today.

 

[dirtdobber06]

My friend soldered the joints and applied heatshrink. Put the bulbs in and fired it up. These are 3x1W Grow light bulbs purchased on Amazon 12 bulbs for like $56.

 

[mcarroll]

A line of bulbs would give very even coverage compared to the hotspots you can see in the pic. But is it designed the way it is for a reason?

 

[dirtdobber06]

It is designed this way so there will not be light directly over the overflow box. The bulk of the area where I want to algae to grow is on the sides. I will post another picture after I install it. I have very poor growth on my chaeto with an very old PC bulb. I cant wait to see the difference.

 

[dirtdobber06]

OK! Just installed it. Bulbs ended up about 14" from surface. I can shorten the legs if needed. I did not glue any of the PVC

 

[mcarroll]

Nice!

For growing algae it's possible you might want them considerably closer to the water. Maybe half that distance.

I would just keep them up a bit as they aren't going to be splashproof, etc.

 

[dirtdobber06]

I will probably lower it down after a week or so. I made the legs where I can adjust it very easily :)

 

[dirtdobber06]

I am already scheming the light for the DT. I am thinking a fixture attached to the wall with hinges, so I can lift it up to access the tank for maintenance.

 

[mcarroll]

Bulbs should be about 12" off the water normally, so already room to work...but I like the idea of hinges or a lift of some kind.

Having the lights pointing at your face during maintenance will not be fun.

And leaving the tank dark during maintenance will not make it easier.

So a lift or hoist of some kind might be preferable depending on your scenario.

 

[dirtdobber06]

Good point. I already have some Eyebolts/pullies in the ceiling. I will just try to make it easier to use.