DIY Week Aqua Light Shades

[Jhardee85]

I finally upgraded to a proper planted tank light (M450 Pro) after a year of weak to moderate lights, at best. Told myself I didn’t need the shades but quickly realized I did. Need is debatable really.

I work for Municipal government in public works and had access to our traffic sign shop. 5 minutes with a band saw on some scrap sign blanks and voila, DIY shades. I didn’t really plan this out so I didn’t don’t have build photos. Just use your imagination.

 

[Art]

Well done! Those look almost identical to my Netlea commercial ones.



I find that they are absolutely necessary if you have seating anywhere near the aquarium. Without them, I would be blinded by the light!

 

[Jhardee85]

Well done! Those look almost identical to my Netlea commercial ones.

View attachment 2590

I find that they are absolutely necessary if you have seating anywhere near the aquarium. Without them, I would be blinded by the light!

Definitely. It blinds at eye level when sitting on the couch/arm chair. I’ve had to lower the light until this point just to make it manageable. Maybe I can raise it now.

Here’s some closer shots. The retro reflective tape backing was a nice unintended feature.

 

[Art]

Looks professional. Now if I could only come up with an easy way to move the light up and down, then I'm in business.

I'm finding the light gets in the way when I try to trim and replant.

 

[KarateQuat]

How is the light hung up?

 

[Jhardee85]

How is the light hung up?

A generic Amazon light hanging kit:

Looks professional. Now if I could only come up with an easy way to move the light up and down, then I'm in business.

I'm finding the light gets in the way when I try to trim and replant.

There’s two allen set-screws for height adjustment in the back where it mounts to the tank. I just loosen them and raise the light for maintenance. I have extensions rods that screw in as well to get it higher. I keep it low partially to keep the cat from going fishing.