Economical Equipment Alternatives - Page 2 - Equipment

TheNextEpisode · 07-19-2009, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taz81

For being DIY that lighting fixture looks dang good! All professional and whatnot. If I get my second tank I may just do that! What did you mean by CADing the side panels?

Just that I used computer program to design the end caps and then cut them out with a machine at school. It was just a fancy way of avoiding further manual labor.

I'm sure that accurate enough precision can be had just with a jigsaw and belt sander/sand paper.

taz81 · 07-19-2009, 02:53 PM

I've never heard that called CADing before. Only heard CADing in reference to people designing things with...well...CAD or eCAD. I bet my dad could do it at his work

hydrophyte · 07-20-2009, 08:10 AM

I put together a blog post a while back describing a hydroponics strip light for use over a planted tank. This was just around $60 including pendant hardware to light up a 55-gallon. It looks nice too.

http://hydrophytesblog.com/?p=542

TheNextEpisode · 07-20-2009, 08:57 AM

^^^
That does look good.

Quote:

Originally Posted by taz81

I've never heard that called CADing before. Only heard CADing in reference to people designing things with...well...CAD or eCAD. I bet my dad could do it at his work

Yeap, I used AutoCAD 2009 (one of the standard CAD software programs) and a LaserCamm to cut it out.

taz81 · 07-20-2009, 09:01 AM

It does look really nice.

And not bad price either! Are those glass panes tempered or just regular?

Thanks!

Nick

hydrophyte · 07-20-2009, 09:03 AM

Thanks very much. And it was real inexpensive for the lighting that I got form it.

Those pieces are just regular non-tempered plate glass.

Tex Gal · 07-20-2009, 09:05 AM

Sorry it took so long to respond. Glad I could help. RAOK is random act of kindness. People will offer plants free to others. They do this in the For Sale Forum. You will also find cheap plant packages there from time to time.

Looks like you are getting a lot of nice advice. You'll be all fixed up before you know it.

taz81 · 07-20-2009, 09:40 AM

Well I need to find some short ground cover, so hopefully people will be offering stuff like that soon, although I have no idea what makes good ground cover. Here's hopin people are highly descriptive! lol

Diana K · 07-21-2009, 05:40 AM

CAD = Computer Assisted Drafting.
Hook up the computer to control the saw and the semicircles and holes for switches and fans are precision cut.

RAOK = Random Act Of Kindness. Someone offers something free or you just cover the cost of shipping.

Dry ferts: www.aquariumfertilizer.com

JERP · 07-21-2009, 07:15 AM

I've used vinyl rain gutters as a hood for AHSupply reflectors.

You don't need fancy lighting and CO2 injection if you pick your plants wisely,

Val's, crypts, and anubias do no require fancy lighting and CO2 injection . check the forums under "Natural" or "low-tech" for more info.