Red light

[crablegs]

Trying to rig up something so I can check on the tank at night (for bristle worms etc). Anyone have some good ideas on how to make or where to buy something like that? I've heard folks talk about mounting night light fixtures in their canopy and using red xmas tree bulbs but I'd really like to have something like a small flashlight that I can direct on various parts of the tank.
Thx...Keith

 

[jacksonpt]

um, I'm not trying to sound like a jerk here, but if you want something like a flashlight... then why don't you just use a flashlight? That's what I use to check on my critters at night. Light doesn't seem to bother them much, but I don't leave it on very long... only 15 seconds or so... just long enough to see who's out.

 

[alianated]

I think what he is trying here, is to have something a little more permanent than a flashlight.
Fish cant see Red.. so if you have a red light over them they dont realize its lit up.
I heard something once about one of those reptile round lamps being converted. Someone bought a LOW wattage one (for heat purposes) and just put a red shield over it.
But I never have tried this myself, it is a thought tho.

 

[twoods71]

I have used a flashlight coved with red plastic wrap. Works great

 

[andymi]

I built a simple system for blue party bulbs to give my tank a moonlight type effect and it only cost around $15. I just went and bought 2 light bulb fixtures that had screws on the side for wiring an electrical cord and two holes for mounting to wood or another surface. I also purchased some replacement electrical cord and a plug. I wired the two light bulb holders (for lack of a technical term) together and on one of the also wired the rest of the cable for a plug. Something like as follows
light bulb -- cable -- light bulb -- plug
I then mounted the light bulb harnesses on either side of my tank canopy, plugged it into a timer and instantly had a little moonlight that comes on for a few hours. It gives everything time to still locate food, get a hiding place or whatever before the entire tank goes dark for a few hours. Then in the morning, the light from the windows gives it sort of a dawn effect. I think I used 15 watt or maybe 7 watt little party bulbs. It gives it some nice light to see certain parts of the tank, however I do sometimes still need to use a flashlight for the darker areas between rocks.
--Andy