Lighting - Amazon theme

Hi all,

I hope someone can help me out with some ideas.

I want to setup my 4ft with a amazon theme, i will get some drift wood etc for the scape. But thats not the problem.

I need ideas on getting the lighting to match the theme. I want it to look kinda like sun light penetrating trees in the tank. So i dont think T5s will work, also not concerned about plants at this stage.

I looked at using leds with a dimming function, but some of the leds used by the reefers are expensive maybe some el- cheapo leds will get the effect i want..

So anyone with ideas? I dont want to spend a fortune on lights.

Thanks

 

HiIf you go for a planted amazon you will have trouble with that kind of ligting.I would use T5 but cover the tubes in sections with something dark.You could also put a cover under the lights with a few big random holes.This should give you the right effect.

 

Agreed

 

Not just round holes though, Random shapes or lines.

 

I have used simple black plastic vinyl, cut a couple of strips to create a branched effect, and stuck it directly to the top of my glass lids (depending if you have glass lids between the lights and the water). As @Vis says, keep it irregular to make it look natural. Works really well if you have tannins in your water...

 

For reference http://theaquaticgazette.com/2011/05/29/takashi-amano-amazon-river/

 

I've seen similar effects by using spot lights - pretty much like bedside lamps which attach to the sides of the tank. They don't normally cost too much either.