Building own lighting

[deadmeat30]

Ok, im very confused by it all. What is needed to build my own lighting for my PDF vivs. I understand with the t5 bulbs with 6500 kelvins. But whats with the ballast and how does it all connect together? really hope someone can help me. so very confused that my head actually hurts!

thanks, Alan

[deadmeat30]

comon you budding electrians!!

[Bikewatch2000]

Hi There

The cost of individual parts to build a fluorescent lighting circuit are probably the same if not more than buying a purpose built unit.

If you are still planning to build your own you need to work out what size tube you will use
Wattage, Colour temp, Length

what ballast
standard (with starter) or high frequency (without starter)

end caps

standard or weatherproof

then correct cabling and terminals and not to forget insulating/covering connectors and terminals

circuit diagrams are readily available if you google it.

But to be honest I've always used purpose built units.

cheers

[deadmeat30]

So far i have found a bassalt that runs 3 tubes for £4 and bulbs for £3 each. so i think it'll be a bit cheaper than a purpose build one. found a picture of the wiring. So looks like project will be go!

[lgscas0708]

i brought allmy tube fittings complete with a free osram bulb from b and q theyre the 24 inch ones and have starter and wiring with them all you need is a plug and the correct 2.0 or 5,0 or 10,0 tube and all mine use t8 and were £7.50 plus £18 a 10,0 tube and i robbed a plug off of an old appliance,
so all in about £27 per 2 foot of uv i think thats pretty good really and you can even get ones about £4 more with ally reflectors well worth considdering when you think about the hasstle of making your own fittings and then buying tubes and the man hours involved compared to a trip to b and q

[Morgan Freeman]

I've built one lighthood, never again.

I'm making sure all my tanks can take exo hoods, well worth it.

[reptiles-ink]

Originally Posted by lgscas0708

i brought allmy tube fittings complete with a free osram bulb from b and q theyre the 24 inch ones and have starter and wiring with them all you need is a plug and the correct 2.0 or 5,0 or 10,0 tube and all mine use t8 and were £7.50 plus £18 a 10,0 tube and i robbed a plug off of an old appliance,
so all in about £27 per 2 foot of uv i think thats pretty good really and you can even get ones about £4 more with ally reflectors well worth considdering when you think about the hasstle of making your own fittings and then buying tubes and the man hours involved compared to a trip to b and q

Yes that is an easy way to do it.
One important thing to considder though is if it will be going inside a viv it will be dangerous if there is a high humidity. That is why the ones sold for viv's and tanks have the main unit outside of the viv with only the end caps for the tube inside.

[deadmeat30]

nah, the bulbs will be attached the white pvc drainpipe and placed ontop of the glass vivs. so all is good