cheato and submersable light

[cooksalot]

my media chamber right now has some LR, chemi-pure and i'll be adding phosban when it gets here. i also wanted to throw some cheato in there but couldn't figure out the lighting until i read on here that there is such a thing as submersable lights (who knew?? )

so here are my questions...first of all, is this a good idea? am i overloading my media chamber (not sure if that's possible -- i have a 24G aquapod).

secondly, if this is a good idea, what is a good brand of submersable light and what wattage would i need? and third, do i need to anchor the cheato in there somehow or just toss it in? will it grow over into the next chamber and wind up blown into my main display? and fourth, when you buy cheato, do you just buy a little clump of it? how much should i get and how is it sold? thanks!

 

[bad coffee]

got a link? I think it would be cool, as long as it's SALTWATER safe.

B

 

[cooksalot]

got a link? I think it would be cool, as long as it's SALTWATER safe.

B

well, this is the type of thing i think i'm looking for: http://www.kineticfountains.com/5-watt-submersible-light.asp

still looking around to see if it can be used in saltwater.

ok, found this one http://www.ponddoc.com/HG/PoolPond/Lighting/Cal/CalLights.htm that states specifically can be used in SW, but not sure if that would fit or if 10 watts would be too much.

 

[jhale]

don't buy cheato.

people give away cheato it grows fast.

 

[cooksalot]

don't buy cheato.

people give away cheato it grows fast.

ok...anyone got some?

oh, and i think i solved the light dilemma...someone on nano-reefs told me i can peel off the backing of my aquapod and just tape on a light...didn't know that was possible.

 

[ming]

I got more then enough, at least a few gallon bags. I'm free after 7pm. Let me know when you want to pick some chaeto up.

 

[tosiek]

careful with the halogens, they run very hot and it might cook your 24, and the nano's are prone to heat problems due to a smaller area of evaporation to cool the tank.

Remember that any type of light you place into your water is going to transfer the heat directly into your water. Ever try to unscrew a bulb thats been on for a while with your hand thats just been turned off? thats what the water is gonna feel like passing through it.

Edit: BTW i just reread your post, i would check operating temparatures of the bulbs. the lights are pond/fountain lights, and ponds, fountains have a much larger area of evaporation, plus the fact that they are usually outdoors. Do some research on halogen bulbs and their operating temparatures, you'll find that most run at 400 degrees C to 1kC, converted its around 750-1500 F, smaller ones alittle less. A friend tried to remove a halogen bulb from a microscope once that we found that was on for about 15 mins and blistered his fingers. it was a 12w bulb or something.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

If you can have the light out of water, it would be best.

If you have to go for some submersible light, go with LED. Most LED are not hot unless you are using the newer power LEDs.

 

[digitalreefer]

Cheato doesn't need too much light. You could probably wire up a couple of LED's from Radio shack and run them on a 9v battery for awhile (or a 9v AC adaptor you have lying around from an old piece of electronic equipment)

 

[TimberTDI]

Christine,

If you do a search a nanoreef, you'll find that quite a few people use a palm light. Basicall you cut out the black vinyl on the back of the tank and let the light shine through.

Steven

 

[cooksalot]

Christine,

If you do a search a nanoreef, you'll find that quite a few people use a palm light. Basicall you cut out the black vinyl on the back of the tank and let the light shine through.

Steven

i actually just came across that idea on another form. dumb question...how do i cut out the back? do i use an exacto knife? is there potential for me to harm the glass doing this? and if i do this, will the room lights be enough to filter in or would i have to tape a light (palm light -- what is it?) on the back of the tank?
thanks!

 

[cooksalot]

I got more then enough, at least a few gallon bags. I'm free after 7pm. Let me know when you want to pick some chaeto up.

thanks so much ming! once i figure out this lighting thing i will PM you.

 

[House of Laughter]

I was just about to say this inline -

I would say 1, yes 1 led in th back of tha 24 pod would work for sure.

Try it, worse case add a second.

House