Shimmer without MH

[carlos_fb]

I have T5 lighting in my tank and I was wondering how to create that shimmer effect in my tank without MH.

Any suggestions?

 

[wrightme43]

Some sort of incandesent point source light.

 

[dnjan]

Aim a powerhead at the surface. Lots of surface ripples will result in shimmer. More obvious with a point-light source (MH, incandescent, etc.), but also visible with flourescents.

 

[Haole]

I agree with surface ripples. It’s not as noticeable as MH, but I do have it with my VHO’s.

 

[Krish]

I fourth it or get MH's

 

[dnjan]

Hey Krish - my number of posts is over 5% of yours!

Good thing I had a one year head start ...

 

[Krish]

Hey Krish - my number of posts is over 5% of yours!

Good thing I had a one year head start ...

LOL!! Good thing I've been taking it easy the past year

 

[Herefishyfishy]

If you don't want MH, you could add a laser unit. Star wars meets Capt Nemo. Used MH can be bought cheap enough if you love the shimmer.

 

[reedman]

I use track lighting with a halogen bulb. Use a small spread light and you have a perfect point source. Produces glitter lines just like MH, not nearly as bright, but not nearly the heat or power either.

 

[returnofsid]

Reedman, Halogen Track lighting like you would use in a kitchen or are these specifically designed for aquariums? I'm very interested in know what type of lighting you're refering to.

 

[reedman]

It's standard track lighting....low voltage with 50W MR16 type bulbs. I use the 3 wire tracks and have put a dimmer on the setup so I can dim the lights and still get glitter lines. I love it

 

[returnofsid]

Low voltage? So it's not household current (120V)? LOL I'm confused. Pics??? Would love to see the set up.

 

[reedman]

The lights are very similar or the same as what you see in department stores for lighting their displays.

This is the thread where I got the idea...
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5315&page=2

Here's a pic of Donovan's lighting....mine is very similar, but smaller...

Here's a link an online retailer for similar lighting (you get what you pay for so be careful)
http://www.direct-lighting.com/ebproductdetail.asp?id=93
http://www.ylighting.com/model180.html

and here is the bulb that is best for color IMHO
http://www.businesslights.com/product_info.php?cPath=37_97&products_id=664