Thread: Diy underwater light ? / CFL energy save bulb

I was thinking of trying to make an underwater light using a mason jar or plastic pb&j jar and a CFL bulb (energy saver)

I found some online 12 volt 25 watt. That sould be a good bit of light and low power draw.

Any forsee any problems with this?
They seem to put off low heat.
I would need a way to sink it without obstructing the light out put
any ideas?

i made 2 with a 12 v fluorescent bulb and a 12 v transformer . put it all in a plastic tube that is used to cover fluorescent bulbs you cangit clear PVC but it is expensive . .used PVC caps sealed it with epoxy . drilled a hole in the top to run a cord through . tied a knot just inside of the hole . used a piece of window weight to hold it down.
bought some lights that is used to put under cars . haven`t tried them yet .

may try the bulb it will work i am sure . pint plastic jar might be big enough less to sink

rcl700,
I bought a light similar to what you are thinking about building. I got it at the Bass Pro outside Charlotte, NC. I think it is made in that local area and BP sells it. Comes in a couple different lengths. I use a cfl light and have had it running for six hours without draining the battery. One of these days I will just turn it on and see how long it will last before the battery goes dead. Anyway, when I get home tonight I will get the information off the label. If you want I will take some detailed pictures so you can see how it was built.

Originally Posted by hunt4crappie

rcl700,
I bought a light similar to what you are thinking about building. I got it at the Bass Pro outside Charlotte, NC. I think it is made in that local area and BP sells it. Comes in a couple different lengths. I use a cfl light and have had it running for six hours without draining the battery. One of these days I will just turn it on and see how long it will last before the battery goes dead. Anyway, when I get home tonight I will get the information off the label. If you want I will take some detailed pictures so you can see how it was built.

That would be great! I'd like to see some pictures.


I also made the floro. green tube light and like it alot. I was just thinking 25watt bulb (white)would be briter. and still use little power.

I have changed my nave. lights over to LED also to save power.
Just need to get an LED anchor light (way too much $) or make one.

Here is a link to the company who makes the light like you describe. I have the 40 inch light. It appears the price went up since I bought mine several years ago. I only paid $60for mine. They also sell the parts if you wish to make your own.

Flounder Lights & Parts

This thing is a beast!!!!! Made with clear pvc.. took 6 lbs of lead to sink it.. hahaha

I know this might be a little inconvenient for some.
But I found my solution to sink my tube light was to simply attach it to my Anchor rope. I have a simple latch type clip on the light, and several large key rings *( like your car keys are on) that I tied about 5 foot apart. Starting about 10 foot up from the anchor, I put 5 on the rope.
When I'm in water, I merely choose the appropriate key ring to put my light 5 foot under the boat.
Works like a charm, every time. And I never have to try to sink the light, it goes down with the anchor every single time. :-)
Also, hooked up like this... I never forget to pull up the light. Which I have been guilty of in the past.
Solves two problems at the same time.

Originally Posted by POfisher

I know this might be a little inconvenient for some.
But I found my solution to sink my tube light was to simply attach it to my Anchor rope. I have a simple latch type clip on the light, and several large key rings *( like your car keys are on) that I tied about 5 foot apart. Starting about 10 foot up from the anchor, I put 5 on the rope.
When I'm in water, I merely choose the appropriate key ring to put my light 5 foot under the boat.
Works like a charm, every time. And I never have to try to sink the light, it goes down with the anchor every single time. :-)
Also, hooked up like this... I never forget to pull up the light. Which I have been guilty of in the past.
Solves two problems at the same time.

I like that idea! Thanks. so simple why didnt I think of that.

Originally Posted by JusFshn

This thing is a beast!!!!! Made with clear pvc.. took 6 lbs of lead to sink it.. hahaha

Would love to seee some more pictures of that thing. I like it, I would be interested in trying to build one myself.

Would still like to see how to make one of these? and why not give a little bump up to the top.