Does putting two layers of folded copy paper between the aquarium light to dim it cause a fire hazard?

Question

Someone suggested masking tape, but I don't have any on me at the moment. I may go fetch some. But..does placing a layer or two of printer paper between the glass hood of the tank and the aquarium light cause a fire hazard? I've toutched the bulb and it doesn't get very hot. There's about a 1 inch clearance between the bulb and the paper.

Is it this safe and okay?

Answer 1

That would depend on what kind of lights and the heat they generate. Usually it is ok, but you never know.

Easiest solution and quickest, your local auto parts store sells tail light, head light tinting tapes around $1.99 a roll. The smoke color for fog light works really well and is fire resistant. This tape comes in many colors and is guaranteed not to melt while near even halogins.

This will work until you decide to change bulbs. If you are really worried, tape the glass of the hood, not the light itself. You can add as many layers as you wish to get the dimness you need.

Answer 2

I suggested masking tape. The paper may be a fire hazard. The thing I'm thinking is the paper will not lay flat in the heat and humidity and I don't know what will happen if it comes in contact with the bulb for a while. I'd go for the masking tape.

Answer 3

Get some smoke colored lighting gels from a night club supply store. They'll hold up to the heat & they're cheap.

Floating plants are good at dimming out light. Try Amazon Frogbit, Duckweed, or Crystalwort. (pick one, otherwise they'll compete for resources). I've had very good luck with the frogbit stuff. I've had bad luck with creeping jenny and water sprite. I believe you can also use anacharis as a floating plant.

I doubt it would catch fire. Remember the ray bradburry book farenheit 454? That was the temperature at which paper ignights into flame. That temp is never acheived by flourescent lights. Maybe by incandescent ones. One thing to consider though is that the paper is organic material made from trees. Once it gets wet, it will probably start to rot & smell terrible.

Answer 4

I would not use paper. I think I would go with the nightclub thingy or the car tape that isn't flamable. Why take the chance? Why not just get a less powerful bulb?

Answer 5

If it is a flourescent light I don't think it would be a problem. If it is an incandescent light I wouldn't chance it.

The simplest solution would be to go out and buy a bulb with lower wattage. It would be dimmer and you wouldn't have to worry about burning your house down.

Answer 6

Should be ok... but I think I would watch it closely for several hours before trusting it. Of course, the fish don't really need light, so you can turn it off when your out of the house and since they need a night cycle too you'll have it off when you sleep, so it shouldn't be too much of a fire hazard. The only time the light should be one is when your home and awake.

MM

Answer 7

if you are going to do that, you might as well use some wax paper. At least that is made to take a little bit of heat.