ropelight as moonlight

[candide]

Quick question for those who have used ropelight as a moonlights. Do they give off that neat "glimmer" effect?

I just realized my PC lights had a moonlight in it that wasn't wired right, just a single LED. It is amazing the impact it has at night on a 4 ft tank. So I wanted to add to it, but really dig the glimmer.

Also, how long would you recommend for a 4 and 6 foot tank?

 

[Nanogasm]

I purchased rope light LEDs.

My tank is an 18" cube. At first I bought one unit which contains two 3/4 watt blue LEDs. I found it wasn't enough, but partly because the LED is a darker blue variety (I bought the nocturnal blue versus the brighter moon blue). So in my case, I bought a second unit, but I hear one every 2 feet does a decent job. Guess it depends on how much nightlight you're looking to achieve.

As far as glimmer... I think it looks great. It creates some incredible ambiance in a dark room with your moon-lit tank on the go.

 

[fungia]

i dont use the ropelights but i have a single led that is similiar. it makes a nice shimmer in the tank that looks very natural.

 

[candide]

I'm starting to wonder if my moonlights already in there are white and not blue. I was looking at some lit up LED's at radioshack and the whites definently seemed more like what I had.

Wish I knew a thing about soldering and wiring up those myself, but just looking at the prices I don't think it will be much cheaper to make myself than it is to buy something like these:

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem. ... ct=CU01650
or
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem. ... ct=CU01652

Not sure if I should get the "moon white" or "nocturnal blue"

 

[Mihai]

The rope will not give you the glimmer (I have those). You need a single bright point to get glimmer (like a strong LED).

M.

 

[Nanogasm]

candide, the links you showed are the exact model I purchased. (which by the way I have had no problems with, and do a fine job).

And you're right, the cost to make your own versus the cost of those you linked is so minimal, you're best to buy pre-made unless you get a kick out of DIY.

I had the same question as you, nocturnal or moon white? I went for nocturnal and find it perfect. It provides enough light to see what is going on, plus it is dark enough to let the night-time critters come out and play. Keep in mind, I have not seen the moon white in action, but hopefully I've cleared up some questions for you.

 

[candide]

Thanks for the help guys I'm just down to the color choice. Stinks this is one of those things you can only decide when seeing it yourself, pictures don't reflect what the RL does at all.

I'll probably end up with the blue