When I switched to daylight bulbs it was a huge help. I think the first ones I bought were just some cheap 40w to try so they were definitely softer. Had to get a 3rd cheap clamp lamp to put in the middle and then 1 on each side as well. Adding the 3rd lamp really brought everything together perfectly with my setup. It’s just one of these that I took the reflector cone off and most the time now I just hold it in my other hand right under or above my phones camera lenses. Hell I’ve even just clamped it to a febreze bottle a few times when I need it stationary. I’m have 0 concept or knowledge of the art of photography but I am very good at being creative with what I have available instead of wasting money on unnecessary equipment so my first recommendation is to pick up a pack of daylight bulbs to try first. 60w probably. It may not necessarily be MORE light you need but a softer light. Can try building a light diffuser box for your LED bulbs or ever find some white glossy/reflective board to set on the sides of your backdrop to help bounce light into more of your environment.
You could get some budget LED panels on amazon, for me these are fine i use yougno 600 which are cheap chinese with meh color but it looks fine especially when you use gels but in your budget you could go a bit higher end than this. Just keep in mine you wont get perfect color reproduction from LED at these price points but it will still look good
You could get some clamp work lights and buy some nice LED and incandescent bulbs. Then get gels and other accessories for them. Get a smart plug/plug dimmer for dimming but keep in mind most LEDs flicker when dimmed so use incandescent bulbs for this. This wont look professional, but it will be totally functional and you will come way under budget. It is a great way to play around with lighting and allows you to use whatever bulbs you want.
The second option is more versatile and probabaly better for learning lighting.
Obviously you did a good job learning from others and being prudent, and any DIY project is a great learning experience, but I have to say:
Steal the reflector from a cheap clampy-type work light and use that. If it's not adequate, at least then you have a surface to attach additional shade. These lights are much cheaper at your local big box hardware store...or even walfart.
Watts is a unit of power not light, so a 10W LED might produce the same amount of light as a 70W incandescent bulb. Lumens is the measure of brightness, so look for this (also be weary since many cheap products will lie about lumens so check reviews).
Lastly is color temperature, some lights look orange some look white or blueish. This doesnt really matter as long as its consistant since u can change color temp in post, but if your lights have different color temperatures then it becomes a problem. Color temp is given in kelvin, 3000k resembles orange firelight ehile 10,000k is a whitish blue fluorescent look.
The cheapest lighting solution will be to get some “tin” worklights from a local hardware store or amazon. They’re nice because u can use standard lightbulbs in them with the choice of fluorecent, LED or incandescent bulbs. They have clamps for mounting and they’re cheap af.
I currently use one of these bounced off the back wall and using a 60w LED bulb. Cheap and effective for now but Idid have to play with positioning a little to get it right.
I would get clamp lights with daylight (5000-6500k CFL bulbs! Should run you $10-12 bucks. I have two over a 10g, but that's because it's heavily planted. You would want one that's at least 8 inches, like this one.
I picked up an indoor greenhouse for $20 at Ocean State Job Lots. I got a couple of these lights for the top and some small fluorescent strips for the bottom shelves. I know the light is helping, but I think the humidity is helping even more.
Well I'd prefer the long lights but the problem is I can hang them. Also does that bulb work with this? http://www.amazon.com/Woods-2-Gauge-8-5-Inch-Reflector-150-Watt/dp/B000HHQ94C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445093911&sr=8-1&keywords=shop+lamp#mobile-twister_style_name_1445200085027
I'm on mobile, so sorry for the long link and sorry if it's a dumb question
Okay, thank you for that tip.
Workshop lights is probably the wrong term, sorry. I mean something like this.
Just one CFL would do for this?
Space isn't a huge problem, but I live in a flat so I just want something small like a 5-gallon bucket in my bedroom. What would be the best way to hang up that light bulb if it would do?
Thank you
If you mean the fixture, it’s a clamp on or painters lamp
Saw one of these today and thought of you...https://www.amazon.com/Woods-Clamp-Aluminum-Reflector-Listed/dp/B000HHQ94C/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=clip+work+light&qid=1610349636&sr=8-5
I have posted Amazon links to what I use below. You should be able to do under $20 for just 5 plants. I haven't used these long but my plants seem like they are pretty happy with it so far.
The lamp. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HHQ94C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
The bulb. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005P29K1S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Optional Timer. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006LYHED0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I just went with one of the these
Woods Clamp Lamp Light with Aluminum Reflector, 150W, UL Listed, 6- Foot Cord https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HHQ94C/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_5JH3JK5SZJFVEYPR09BK
With one of these bulbs
BONGBADA 2 Pack Heat Lamp Clear Infrared Bulbs PAR38/250 Watts Glass Lamp Bulb for Food Service, Brooder Bulb, Chicks, Pet, Bathroom, Light Therapy Use E26 Base, Flood Light Heat Lamp Bulb https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092Q12HFM/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_DF71R48QB1ZREZR80GXQ
Just attached it offset over the printer. Worked pretty good this winter.
I would recommend a pothos, they can grow under regular ole light bulbs, trail down, and while they can get as big as you let them they typically get long and you can just snip it to the length you want. If it gets zero sunlight, you'll have to leave the light on in the room for the day instead. There are other plants like this too, like snake plants and diffenbachia. They're also classic and absolutely stunning. I have so many different kinds of pothos now!
Someone mentioned a grow light as well, in which case you can keep just about any plant under it. Super important to keep the light within a foot of the plant however. Light bulb grow lights work in any lamp, but a lot of people buy a clamp light like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HHQ94C/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_9BWPGJ3JRD8BXMP0J9T3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Here's the bulb I would recommend: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0748ZPKT7/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_F144KV71XHSAHB9X6NWA
And here's an outlet timer if you don't want to turn it on and off yourself everyday: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MVFF59S/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_7VBJEQTSNTKSQYYPCT24?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Honestly I think airplants are easy, it's just growing them without brown tips is hard :)
Blurple is outdated, we know now that plants use all wavelengths so full spectrum is the way to go. That gives you the added benefit of being able to see your plants clearly and enjoy them! I highly recommend sansi grow bulbs. They can be screwed into any desk or floor lamp that points the light downwards, or you can use something like a clamp shade or pendant cord. For these plants I'd do a 24W, or a 36W so you can position the bulb further away.
It’s a clamp for a mountable shop light. Similar to this
Woods Clamp Lamp Light with Aluminum Reflector, 150W, UL Listed, 6- Foot Cord https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HHQ94C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_74HK4HDW74560ATZXKJS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
PHILIPS LED PHILIPS 433557 100-watt Equivalent, Bright White (6500K) 23 Watt Spiral CFL Light Bulb, 4-Pack, Daylight Deluxe, 4 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M6SR1JM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_SV97P9Y522V0H84QFR7K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Obviously you could spend a lot more to get a better set up, but this works for me and was quite cheap. My tradenscantia nanouks are more colorful than ever, and my succulents are coming in chunky and dense. The clamps work pretty well too. Good luck!
Woods Clamp Lamp Light with Aluminum Reflector, 150W, UL Listed, 6- Foot Cord https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HHQ94C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_74HK4HDW74560ATZXKJS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
PHILIPS LED PHILIPS 433557 100-watt Equivalent, Bright White (6500K) 23 Watt Spiral CFL Light Bulb, 4-Pack, Daylight Deluxe, 4 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M6SR1JM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_SV97P9Y522V0H84QFR7K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Obviously you could spend a lot more to get a better set up, but this works for me and was quite cheap. My tradenscantia nanouks are more colorful than ever, and my succulents are coming in chunky and dense. The clamps work pretty well too. Good luck!
Woods Clamp Lamp Light with Aluminum Reflector, 150W, UL Listed, 6- Foot Cord https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HHQ94C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_967RYB5YH1A8SF556AQR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
PHILIPS LED PHILIPS 433557 100-watt Equivalent, Bright White (6500K) 23 Watt Spiral CFL Light Bulb, 4-Pack, Daylight Deluxe, 4 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M6SR1JM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4CN8KBZDWPKSQNFGP0T6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Figured I’d just send you the links
Kudos on the design. Mind sharing how much the shop charged to make it? I've always assumed custom fabrication would be too expensive for me.
I have a couple suggestions for adding lights to the aquarium.
simply cut a hole in the top and get a standard size bulb shroud/socket. Won't look the best but it will work. I'm thinking something like this but take off the clamp. A regular household LED or CFL should be plenty for the fish. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HHQ94C/
get a waterproof LED strip like your grow lights but fill spectrum/white and glue it to the bottom of the lid. Just make sure the adhesive actually works on acrylic since plastics can be weird about glue. This method keeps the integrity of your design and is minimal work.
have the shop fabricate a clear lid and the ambient light should be enough being that is near the window and grow lights
A lot of the other suggestions from commentors are good. The main ones I'll point out are:
Put an air stone in the tank. Helps the fish and the plants. I prefer the long bar type air stones.
Decide whether you want DWC or NFT. For DWC, add air stones to each trough. For NFT, adjust location of drains for each trough to minimize standing water.
Up the lighting. Maybe use reflective shroud for the lights to direct them at the plants. An over the top (and not the most efficient) suggestion to go with your design esthetics would be to build a light box the size of your rack, put a white translucent front on it, and load it with florescents or LEDs. Something like this but with an opaque box to match the aquarium https://youtu.be/Rv3DvNmYIVE
I know that they are pricey but I love my Elgato Key Light. Before that I was using these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HHQ94C/ref=cm\_sw\_r\_tw\_dp\_x\_2GNrFb2FJEDGS and used some white paper as a diffuser which worked really well.
>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HHQ94C/
thank you so much!
Stay away from a pet store or brand if you want cheap. It’s way overmarked in price.
For lamps I suggest clamp/brooder lamps. They are heat resistant, can go to a high wattage, and are pretty much the same thing as the pet store’s lamps. Here’s a link to amazon for reference on what they look like. https://www.amazon.com/Woods-Clamp-Aluminum-Reflector-Listed/dp/B000HHQ94C They can also be found in Lowes and Home Depot.
For heating, I’d suggest a ceramic heat emitter. They don’t give off light which is nice because you can use it at night. They are also compatible with outlet light dimmers and outlet timers if you need to make power or time adjustments. https://www.amazon.com/BYB-Ceramic-Infrared-Emitter-Brooder/dp/B00HFNZ59Q
https://www.amazon.com/Lutron-Credenza-Halogen-Incandescent-TT-300H-WH/dp/B0000BYEF6
For lighting, I’d also suggest another lamp with normal led or incandescent bulb on a outlet timer. Setting the timer to 12 hour on and 12 hour off helps the frogs have a set day/night schedule. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-Polarized-Analog-Indoor-Mini-Timer-Single-Outlet/879295193
Whites tree frogs don’t require UVB since they are a nocturnal species. As long as the calcium supplement used on their food has the D3 vitamin they should be good. https://www.amazon.com/Rep-Cal-SRP00200-Phosphorous-Free-Ultrafine-Supplement/dp/B00BS96G1E
Woods Clamp Lamp Light with Aluminum Reflector, 150W, UL Listed, 6- Foot Cord https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HHQ94C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7QhTDbFBMYY1P
They don't have to be. You can buy a setup like this clamp light and Daylight colour CFL bulbs or an LED bulb.
It's this guy. I would be willing to get a different fixture as well.
Thank you! This is the lamp I'm using and the bulb is 100w 6500k CFL.
Get a full-spectrum lamp and light bulb.
This is no joke. Step 1. It will cost you about 20 bucks. Stick it next to your computer and leave it on whenever you're sitting there. I'm not kidding
Diet and exercise.
Eat the same thing every single day. Lift once a week
Meditate.
Download Headspace and try it for a week
If you're actually depressed, then this list of 3 "to-do"'s will be overwhelming. How would I possibly know something like that?
That's why you should only focus on step 1. Click the links. Find 20 bucks, buy the lamp, buy the bulb. It's super silly, but so are we
Right away, I think some background music would really lighten up the mood. I didn't really find the video funny, but I think that was more due to delivery; the same script (and the same you!) with a bit of a faster-pace delivery would have been better. The slower pace you had made it feel like a more serious vlog.
I think the recording environment is too distracting, too many things going on, both color wise and object wise. If you recorded against a flat wall, even that curtain in the top right, that'd be nicer.
And, lighting would DEFINITELY improve your video quality tenfold. Check out this article on a quick/easy way to do it, it doesn't have to be expensive at all.
All you really need are clamp lights, Daylight temperature bulbs, and something like tissue paper to cover the light (to disperse the light, eliminate hard shadows, like a softbox does).
That's it, you can do it cheap! I recommend getting something spring clamps to help stabilize/hold the clamplight to what you clamp to, i find the lights clamps aren't very good/slide. I just made a 2-light setup this way (using these light stands) and it made a HUUUGE difference. (should help with the focusing problem too!)
Mint, rosemary, and basil are standard easy herbs.
For a dead-simple setup, you can buy 2 of these and two of these and clamp/hang them about 1 ft above the tops of your herbs. Then put a couple pots on/under a wire shelf like this.
I like these kinds of installations because there's really no "building" and they can be moved around easily. Metal wire shelves are also very versatile so you can reconfigure/repurpose them as needed.