Backlighting

[Countzer0]

Ok I have an idea and need some input. After visiting several public aquariums I definatly want a backlight aquarium.(ie. the jellyfish tank ...ect ...) I remember a year or so ago an article written on how to backlight an aquarium. But its long gone now ... Anyone have any suggestions on what to put on the back ... that would allow the light to come through nice and even. Also a way to reflect the light evenly to the back of the tank.


Thanks

[Mobikob]

I can't help on how to do it, but I think it is a pretty neat effect. here are some shots of Sea World Orlando's Jelly tank. they have the backlight on a momentary switch.

Mobi:D

http://www.a1webdesign.com/stuff/SeaWorld7.jpg
http://www.a1webdesign.com/stuff/SeaWorld8.jpg

[logman17]

I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for, but when we backlight high-dollar stained glass or other focus pieces, we typically use either:

1) Fiberoptics - sideglow cable run to an illuminator (usually 150w Metal Halide) and put the cables next to each other so it looks like a "wall" of light

2) High-Output fluorescent - usually t-5 micro striplights with asymetric reflectors throwing the light out and up giving a good "wash" effect

Of course, the newest, latest, and greatest is "colortile" where a 2x2 piece of specially made LED "tile" is placed behind the object to be lit. http://www.colorkinetics.com/ls/rgb/tile/


Sorry for the generic response, but I can't get a feel for what your trying to do - you know friday (and cinco de mayo at that).

If you want, I could take a look at it next week and give some ideas (I'm in the lighting business)

Shoot me a pm if interested - I could probably save some $$$ for you since I am in direct contact with most lighting factories.