Blue Fluroescent Light Tubes??

[Rhythmology]

Hey boys/girls! Nice Lighting forum !!!

Need some help,
I have been looking around for a Blue Fluroescent Light Tube in order to give my studio a nice 'moody' feeling to it and have had no luck
AT ALL trying to find these in the shops. Im after a tube which is coated in blue paint (acting as a gel) in a 4 foot long version(i have found one of these in a red and it gives nice dark 'easy-on-the-eyes' redness ). Now, each time i have asked in the stores for this they have ended up ordering in a clear (white) tube except it gives off a VERRY bright light blue (cloudy blue) when you turn it on..
So if anybody knows of any websites where i can get one of these lights to ambient-up my room i'll be stoked/extremely happy/amazed and verrry greatful..

Will appreciate it.
(PS. im expecting to not get ONE reply but its worth a try :) )

[kayak]

Well, I tried searching the internet to find something helpful for you, but drew a blank. Have you tried using a fluorescent black light bulb? They actually throw a blue light. Also, would actually using blue gels be an option?

[lordgarak]

Try looking for plant lights or aquarium lights, Some of them are ultra-violet lights which look pretty blue.

[Analogue_Bubblebath]

mmm yum

[Rhythmology]

Hey thanks for replying guys!
Originally posted by kayak:
Have you tried using a fluorescent black light bulb? They actually throw a blue light. Also, would actually using blue gels be an option?
Kayak, Re the black light bulb. Are you talking about those black lights found in clubs which make white clothing glow in the dark?? Ive bought one of them but the light actually gives off a purple.. However if the light you have in mind is not how ive described then please would you know any sites which stock these?? I have tried everywhere but nuthing..
In regards to the blue gel, certainly it would be an option! How are these bought? Is it just a piece of blue celephane or hard plastic like material?? Wouldnt it melt though if the fluro light tube is coated in it?


Lordgarak, i've been told to stay away from UV lighting as its meant to be bad for the eyes for some reason.. The lights used in aquariums would be great!! its just im having no luck finding them in light shops.. might have to give the local aquarium a call and ask ..

(this help is appreciated)
Chris



[This message has been edited by Rhythmology (edited March 15, 2002).]

[kayak]

Originally posted by Rhythmology:
...Are you talking about those black lights found in clubs which make white clothing glow in the dark?? Ive bought one of them but the light actually gives off a purple..
...In regards to the blue gel, certainly it would be an option! How are these bought? Is it just a piece of blue celephane or hard plastic like material?? Wouldnt it melt though if the fluro light tube is coated in it?...

[This message has been edited by Rhythmology (edited March 15, 2002).][/B]

Yes, the purple blacklight is what I was referring to. Apparently that is not close enough to what you want. Regarding the blue gel, try a theatrical supply house, and tell them what you are going to do with it. Gels come in different temperature ratings. They are basically a piece of colored cellophane.

[This message has been edited by kayak (edited March 15, 2002).]

[Rhythmology]

Cheers Kayak!
I will be looking up the yellow pages for a theatrical shop..

May the light be with you.
Thanks

[picker13]

This will sound kind of weird, but here goes. Check out your local auto detail shops. See if they have those (stupid) undercar lights. I've seen them in blue. All you would need is a 12 volt power supply.

[meegaleedo]

The company that makes theatrical gel for lighting makes those tubes. The company is called Rosco. Any theatrical supply house should be able to get the info on them. Rosco has a presence on the web but I do not know the web address.

[kayak]

Originally posted by meegaleedo:
The company that makes theatrical gel for lighting makes those tubes. The company is called Rosco. Any theatrical supply house should be able to get the info on them. Rosco has a presence on the web but I do not know the web address.

http://www.rosco.com
http://www.rosco-ca.com/products/filters/fluo_sleeves.html

[Rhythmology]

Hey thanks for the help dudes!

This rosco company seems to have coloured gels specifically for fluro light tubes!! The list of types of gels there are abit confusing as there arent any pics so i'll be ringing the local store tomorow asking for these Rosco sleeves/gels.. Looking forward to this.
But hmm, seriously im really fascinated at the fact that not one retailer or company just DO NOT make/sell these long blue light tubes. (with the exception of those small (stupid :> ) fluro car lights)
Maybe these blue tubes i have spotted around have these gels over them?!??

But anyways,
Thankyu again and i will re-post once i finally get it!!
Chris

[Rimmer]

There is a simple answer. Get a normal fluro tube with the brightest tube you can find and by some nice Blue gel from Lee or Rosco. Fluros burn quite cold so the gel will last for ages. I recommend Winter Blue from Lee (I think). Congo blue is quite UV'ish but it's dark and too dark for fluro's generally.

The Black light people are referring to is a UV light. The large bulb versions are usually 400watters and work for a good distance. These make the washing powder on your clothes stand out as well as make your teeth go green. Nice effect but I wouldn't want to hang around in a studio with one of these for long... You can also get UV tubes that will work with a normal fluro fitting and aren't too pricey at all. Most "Disco" shops will sell you one.. The 400watter will be expensive...

Don't want UV, get some gel, it's quite cheap if your not buying a roll that is.

Last point, you can buy dimmable fluro tubes although they are few and far between and will require a wall dimmer in your house. This way, you can dim the fluro meaning you can use lighting blue gels and get a bit more variety with your moods.

Good Luck

SteveR