Lightbulb "green"house

The incandescent light bulb is the ultimate symbol of wasted energy. Since I don't use them anymore I wanted to transform them into something green instead of throwing them away.
This project was inspired by an ad I saw in the June 08 edition of Popular Science.

WARNING:
THIS INSTRUCTABLE REQUIRES THE USE OF DANGEROUS TOOLS AND SHARP GLASS. I ACCEPT NO LIABILITY FOR ANYTHING!

Step 1: Materials

I used:

-An old lightbulb. Best if burned out, but if its going to just sit and collect dust thats fine too.

-Epoxy. Best glue ever!

-7/16" socket. Holds the bulb on

-Some rubber part from my bike.

-Thing that goes between shower head and tiles

-Small plastic cup

-Soil



Tools:

-Pliers

-File

-Compressor

-Drill, drill bit

Comments

[unshaven joe]

When I made mine, I accidentally broke the little glass tube, and it shot off into the depths of my garage.

[awesomecreations]

I also just attempted to break the middle-glass out of an old bulb but the bottom of the bulb also cracked.

[Kawthar Xoubi]

this is amazing...would definately try to make this <3

[Fried Potatoes]

I love this!

[dr-awkward]

radical idea. i made a fancied up version and had fun makin it for the GF

heres a link to the other few photos:
http://flickr.com/photos/27366084@N07/sets/72157605548571428/

[daddy1529]

Wicked Awesome!!!!

[manimpz]

Pretty Steampunk. I want one of those!

[Peanut123]

 that is an awesome greenhouse! make an instructables

[ogama8]

WOW!!! Nice job on the steampunk look!

[diazsinger]

Wow that is very cool looking... Reminds me of something you'd find in an old antique store.

[dutchypoodle]

I'm sure she was pleased as punch to accept such a one-of-a-kind gift! This plant's got STYLE. LinuxH4x0R, it's a bright green idea. Certainly made me smile, anyway.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks!

[Labot2001]

Kinda steampunk.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Looks great! (sorry I took so long to reply I was at my other house in MN without internet)

[UQONYX]

I cant open up the lightbulb. ANY helP?????

[willosac]

I have put a stamp with your name on the bottom... I live In South Africa and many of our poor settlements have been badly eroded where people live in informal settlements! I'm talking not a blade of grass for many square kilometers at a time... They are in dire need of the land to be secured so that storms do not wash it away!!! They also need the beauty of nature as cliche as that may sound... So iv got a team together we are making these bulbs and then selling them at markets to buy trees from nurserys at cost prize and once a month go and plant 50 or so trees in these settlements. Its a small drop in the ocean but every little bit counts. We give community leaders responsibility for these trees and do routine checkups to make sure they are thriving!!! So ya thats it mate.. Ant

[DrDontDoDis]

I know this is a little late to reply, but you should do some research on soil conservation and the response to the 'Dust Bowl' storms that hit the US in the '30's.

I don't know the details of your climate, but the trees you plant should be a) hardy in your climate, b) have a large cross-section to break the wind and any dust storms (evergreens are great), and c) be fast growing.

It sounds like you're all but in a desert. Erosion control techniques should be put into action immediately, farmers should use appropriate cover crops, and crop rotation will be essential when things have stabilized. Soil organisms of all kinds should also be promoted. Fertilization with compost, kitchen scraps and manure will also help greatly.

Nature is designed to be cyclical and to seek a balance. Replacing what you have taken with your natural by-products will complete the system and bring about great improvements.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Wow, sounds like a good cause! If you want a good try to grow quickly in a dry climate try Chineese Elm. We had one and it grew to 5 or 6 meters in just 5 years! I'd love to see some pictures of the project and of the settlements if you have access to a camera.

[porcupinemamma]

Brilliant- I don't have a drill press, any idea what tool i could substitute?
Also, any idea where i could purchase the light bulbs? there don't seem to be anymore available around where I live.

[kenverzets]

im a problem qhat is please

[tidje]

I just wanted to make a comment for those people who think the plant needs air holes.  I have made several stained glass terrariums that use this same principle.  If you give the plants an airtight house, you create a mini ecosystem and the water that's inside will eventually evaporate to the top, condensate on the glass, and fall back down like rain.  It will keep doing that over and over, and you end up hardly ever having to water (and when you do, I guess you get some new air in).  I have one going that I started years ago.  I water every couple of months because it's not completely airtight and eventually some water does escape by evaporation.  A few plants have died (some work better than others in these situations- and I've also let it get a bit too dry at times- completely forgetting about it since you normally don't have to water it).  I still have a couple of the original plants, though...
Maybe this calls for an instructable.  I've never made one. :)

 

[laxap]

Thanks for this interesting info.

Do the plant grow, and does it stop growing ? How does it get CO2 (does it actually need any) ?

[tidje]

The plants don't really grow much- a little bit, but they have stayed small enough to not outgrow the terrarium.  A few of the little fern babies have doubled or tripled in size over the course of many months, but they were very tiny to begin with.   Of course I used small plants purposely to try to prevent them from growing too much.  They also usually recommend that you don't use fertilizer on plants in a terrarium.  I think that is mostly for the same reason- so that it doesn't outgrow its enclosed environment.
As for the CO2- I don't really know why it isn't a problem.  Maybe the little (tiny) bit of air that might get in where the dome attaches to the base is enough...
I suspect, though, that maybe it's just that the plants don't need that much nor do they really use up as much as we might be imagining.  I think we think of it in a way that we compare it to a person that needs O2 and gives off CO2, and quickly runs out of O2 in a small, enclosed environment.  My guess (and it is only that- a guess) is that their use of CO2, giving off O2, isn't quite the same.  The plants likely don't use as much nor need as much CO2 as we need O2.  on the other hand, maybe my dome is big enough in comparison to the size of the plants to not cause a problem.
Anyone with more knowledge on the subject can feel free to comment and correct me if I'm wrong.  :)   
As long as I'm writing, I'd also like to comment that plants that like a high, constant humidity work best in a terrarium because the terrarium maintains a high humidity in the air.  Ferns have worked well for me... and they usually don't recommend cacti and succulents. 

 

[day-veed]

Plants respire and take in O2 ALL day long and give of CO2 (Even when photosynthesising). However, in the presence of sunlight, plants will take in CO2 to photosythesise. They use Sunlight to 'combine' water and C02 to make sugar and give off O2 as a by-product. Thus, the 'stock' of O2 gets replenished while the amount of CO2 is regulated. I hope this was of some help!

[ddentrem]

exactly so. Plants have to respire just like animals! People often forget that. Since they make much more oxygen than they use, the whole thing usually gets simplified to "plants generate oxygen"

[Fojar]

Plants do convert CO2 into O2 during photosynthesis.  The light energy gets stored into sugar.  To get it back out, the plant then respires just like animals, turning the O2 back into CO2.  That's why the plants can live with very little air exchange with the outside world.

[afroray]

what plant should i use to grow in the light bulb i dont know much about plants any help?

[mitra_dios]

very nice

[KojiHatada]

That's very beautiful design ! I think plants in light bulbs give new ideas.

[isaactwidale]

u can actually just fill the lightbulb with salt then swish it around to get rid off the white stuff :P

[astrong0]

.....now i was thinking.... what happens when the mint out grows the container thing or you have to air the plant out so it can live?

[Danny09]

Whats the: -Some rubber part from my bike. and the -Thing that goes between shower head and tiles supposed to be?

[dagenius]

Yes, I know, I would have prefered if the writer of the instructable were more descriptive in this. I think that the point is to encourage people to not realy make something exactly the same, but to make it their own.

So I guess you can just use stuff laying around.

[Danny09]

if you check out the best of instructables vol 1 book it makes more sense the shower thing is called a shower flange and for the rubber part im still not sure

[tizart7]

Good job !!!

[CraftyEmoChick]

what do you do if the plant gets too big for the light bulb? can you just leave it or do you have to replant it?

[lucir_bv]

Hi! Where is your bike? i need some rubber parts. Can i take any rubber parts?

[OceanLady]

I want one! They look awesome... I actually did a photoshop thing for a "be green" poster in high school with the same concept. I'll have to bookmark this and come back to it if I ever find myself at my parents' house without my kid... newborns and breaking glass don't mix very well, lol

[panni]

it`s great!!! but i am going to do for my science proyec??? what exactly  i need to know ?? pleaseee!!!

[Evilthingamabober]

Nice, now just make a lightbulb biosphere!

[neivadan]

ahh is there any safer way to do this

[weaponscollector94]

what i like halogen bulbs! besides those swirly hippie bulbs contain mercury so they are like mini gas bombs if they break...toxic metal bombs! so in the long rum halogens are better 4 the environment BY THE WAY I AM NOT A PRESERVATIONIST I AM A CONSERVATIONIST witch means i want to take care of the land and still enjoy it

[mr.space]

Please speak English, and those "swirly hippie bulbs" may contain some toxic metal compounds, but in the long run as long as you dont smash them and then put them in the compost they will last longer, use less energy and therefor burn less fossil fuels- releasing less toxic gases into the atmosphere.
So overall they're probably less toxic then normal lightbulbs!

[weaponscollector94]

my mistake, i meant florescent light bulbs.

[jackoteeny]

 what a brilliant Instructable! It is especially clever because it is green and it doesn't get in anybody's way!
why don't you try make a whole bunch of them?  

[Majid-F]

This is very interesting. And it triggered an idea ...
We have a deserted aquarium in the attic. I thought maybe I can make a bigger greenhouse with a wooden box filled with soil and plant seeds, and the empty tank placed bottom-up on it:

[j37!]

yeah yeah - i like it homie! i could maybe suggest instead of soil have a open-root design along the lines of hydro - or aero - ponics -- just to see if we could force enough growth upwards to break the bulb??

[harekrishna]

Cute. I can't wait to see you make one out of a flourescent lightbulb after LEDs take over.

[Aridzona]

Harekrishna,
Fluorescent bulbs contain mercury and lead powder.
http://www.uis.edu/facilityservices/fluorescent_bulbs.htm#hazards
'Not a good idea to handle or breathe toxins.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! Maybe I could plant those curly bamboo in them. LOL!

[FFswordfreak]

Thats a very nice idea. I'm trying do grow a little tree in it. Perhaps it will work. First i tried to drill some little holes into the bulb, so the tree can get air, but i don't recommend it. the bulb is broken and my finger has one scare more.

[history323]

what is the tree grows up and breaks free of its glass cage? lol that would be kinda cool!!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks. Keep me posted if you are successful. You could try heating the bulb with a blowtorch and poking them out.

[geek12597]

how do you water the plant?

[stryke297]

How exactly does this plant grow? It looks like it's in a sealed container which kinda sorta stops one half of the respiration process, and wouldn't you think it would get very hot inside that lightbulb?

[survivalkid]

thats what plants like(warmth) so if you you water it regually it won't dry out and it will grow well thats what a greenhouse does.

[dudenamedtroy]

What's the rubber piece? and if you don't know then, where on the bike did you get it? like what was it used for. thanks :D

[Tom1501]

its cool do it

[varunkaustubh]

gr8 man!

[albylovesscience]

tony the tiger ?

[papa1]

i got to make one for my wife she will love it thanks

[jgeekw]

I find it easier to clean out the white stuff in a lightbulb with either a little salt, or sugar. Pour a little bit in and swirl it around until the bulb is clear. Empty afterward.

[oO Ray Oo]

lovely ><

[porcupinemamma]

GetOuta town!!! Beautiful!!! Thanks so much for sharing and to all the others who have inserted their versions.. I'm a klutz, but i just HAVE to try this. Fabulous instructable. Well Done!

[porcupinemamma]

I'm amazed i figured out how to add a picture to me name. I've never posted a picture. Can you tell me how it's done?

[LinuxH4x0r]

http://www.instructables.com/upload This should get you started.

[porcupinemamma]

Thank you so much. My dh knows how to get photos into the computer. I need to learn. I also want to learn how to send an attachment in an email, he knows and has promised to write the instructions out for me. I'm in awe at the talent and kindness in this community. Thank you again. Lyn

[LinuxH4x0r]

Glad I could help. I'd help you with that too, but I'm afraid its different with every email provider.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! Just be careful with the glass, I've broken a few... Be sure to post pictures!

[johnwasnt]

to clean that white stuff out of the bulb use a small amount of table salt and twirl the bulb around with it in there.

[haydes]

i rekon its really cool and i might try it but once the plant gets too big how do you squeeze it through the light bulb bit or do you just smash the whole thing and how do you water it

[LinuxH4x0r]

I grew mint, so size wasn't an issue. You water the cup by tipping the top part up.

[r3nrut]

I made one...but it didn't turn out quite as well. It still looked good though.

[HoodedRanger]

this is really cool, it would be awesome to see a pic where the plant grew so much it broke out of the bulb and kept growing. if that happens a post would be awesome thnx ^.

[Quote]

I work in a Theatre and I have access to light bulbs the size of my head, 1000 Watts!!! I can't wait to make one out of one of those.

[T3h_Muffinator]

hmmmm I wonder if you could create a fully sealed-off-from-the-environment version of this. You know, have an airlock for water/air, or something like that. That'd be pretty cool. Nice job!

[Kilometer]

Make magazine had a Biosphere article in Volume 10 I think, was fairly interesting. Had a lot more than just a single plant though.

[zvillesurfer]

i remember in like first grade we took a jar like a pickle jar and put some dirt and planted grass in it. we put some worms in it to change the co2 back into oxygen. the actual point of it was to see how u dont have to add water to it because it evaporates and condenses again.

[cowtipper97]

I've been thinking of doing that since I saw this instructable. I know how to make those with other thing but I'm still trying to figure out how to completely seal a light bulb. FYI: a fully sealed off environment is called an ecosphere or biosphere

[finfan7]

This couldn't be made into a biosphere without some sort of respiratory organism to create the necessary CO2.

[bulalo917]

how about using artificial plants instead? That way you wouldn't touch it again anymore. : ) ... but that wouldn't be "green", would it?

[LinuxH4x0r]

Try using epoxy to seal everything. Post some pictures if you make one

[history323]

i used caulk cause i didnt have epoxy it looked kinda crappy though! rubber cement might also work?

[cowtipper97]

I hallowed out a light bulb yesterday to make an ecosphere but while it drying it some how broke.

[LinuxH4x0r]

That would be awesome! *hands muffin a tube of caulk* Make one!

Thanks!

[T3h_Muffinator]

Hehe... I wouldn't seal it with caulking! I'd use muffin batter =P
sigh, I don't have the time to try right now... in fact, I really shouldn't be on instructables right now, but I am anyway =P

No problem!

[thanhpi]

That tree will live during one week. I think so. You should continue to bring many things into play. Goodluck!!!!!!

[LinuxH4x0r]

I've managed to keep it alive for 2 months. Thanks

[Cthulu]

Cool, so you dont glue the bub down right? Because, how do you water it lol?

[LinuxH4x0r]

No, its just pushed over it. It comes off for watering

[robobadger]

I think it'd be cool to add a few of these to my water garden. It'd add kind of an hg wells time machine look to the whole project.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Cool! Be sure to post pictures if you do

[robobadger]

Looks like a dixy cup

[LinuxH4x0r]

I saved one of the cups that they hand out food samples in at sam's club

[The magical duct tape kid]

Wonderful Idea! Keep it up... P.S. I really like your non-internet phone emailing ible!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! Too bad teleflip isn't around any more :(

[billyjiahaogao]

Good job, interesting idea!! Do you have any photos of what happens after a few weeks? When the plant grows?

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! I just made this last night, so not yet. I'll add some later. When it grows too big I eat it.

[nybras66]

This is not a good idea. The glass of the lamp is contaminated with dangerous chemicals, don't eat it. It's a nice thing to experiment (if the plant will survive without air change), but don't eat it.

[crockettbu]

Loved this one, but most of the plants that I did this with died on me. :(

[LinuxH4x0r]

Awww. They have to be able to take a lot of humidity

[goldenspiral]

Christmas gift for my girlfriend - got a bit fancy with it.

Materials (from top to bottom):

100W Sylvania oversized lightbulb
Bonsai tree
Stainless steel lightbulb connector (from vanity mirror lighting thing)
2" threaded electrical conduit
Clear glass bell lampshade
Dirt
Stainless steel rotating spice rack

[wenpherd]

bonsai trees are so cool

[LinuxH4x0r]

Very nice! Maybe you could add some dirt on the bottom part (on top of the spice rack) and grow some plants down there too. Looks lovely, hope she likes it <3

[Plasmana]

Amazing work Cyrus Ahmadi-Moghadam! 5 stars!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Same to you (can't find your real name in the book!) Thanks!

[place name here-]

it is called an escutcheon plate

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks, I just would have called it a flange. I had no clue

[theburn7]

holy crap, u got first prize when it was my idea. Split it 50/50?

[LinuxH4x0r]

Your idea? It was shell's idea Besides I can't split it

[theburn7]

shells idea?

[LinuxH4x0r]

Yep, the oil company

[Plasmana]

So you have to give them your prize! :D

[LinuxH4x0r]

I think shell can afford a book with the prices they charge

[Plasmana]

Lol! Okay..

[puffyfluff]

Wow, that's pretty cool, and it turned out really nice. I love it! I'm gonna make one of these for my neighbor - she loves stuff like this.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! Be sure to post pictures here

[dutchypoodle]

You said on the 29th of July that you had left the plant unattended for a month, and photos were coming. I'd love to see 'em.

[theburn7]

http://flickr.com/photos/tresfrijoles/468580441/in/set-72157600109079887/

[andywhite12345]

The white powder can be cleaned from the bulb by swirling a bit of salt in it.

[chocolate_zombie]

what happens if the plant gets too tall for the bulb?

[LinuxH4x0r]

Its mint. I cut it and eat it.

[AnarchistAsian]

minty coffee!!!!!!!!!

[willosac]

Hey mate great Idea... Do you mind I'm collecting all my suburbs bulbs and old jars and all sorts of rubbish srucing the glass up with some glass paint. Would you mind If i sold them to cover costs and the rest to an enviromental organisation? Would you mind?

[LinuxH4x0r]

Sure, I'd be honored. Some sort of mention would be nice. Could you send me some more info about your cause?

[Lftndbt]

Incandesables

You know it belongs there....

I still love your idea to bits!!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks, I'll add it

[Lftndbt]

Truley awesome!! I must have missed this, only found it as a link in my LeD bulb slideshow.. Bravo!! It's good to someone has similar tastes to myself...

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! You might like some of my other light bulb ibles

[Lftndbt]

I'm sure I would. ;)

[LinuxH4x0r]

Post pictures if you make anything

[jcintra]

I think this is has a very beautiful result, but I have my doubts about the results, because the plant need to breath. Maybe with some small holes in the base of the lamp...

[camb00]

What is the white plastic thing ?

[LinuxH4x0r]

Its a little cup thingy

[SunShine.1111]

what happens when the plant grows?

[LinuxH4x0r]

Its mint, I constantly trim it and eat it.

[The Mollusk]

For anyone thinking of making a hydroponic version, I made it so only half of the root was submerged (with hydroponics the plant needs air to the root, so some people use a "O2 stone" (thats also why airated lawns do better then unairated lawns), but for me this is still working good

[LinuxH4x0r]

Cool! post some pictures

[Mjem24]

Hi! I was wondering what you meant by "rubber piece from my bike" I looked at all the bikes in my house and nothing resembled that. Help! Great idea, anyways! I'm gonna give one to my environmentalist teacher! She'd really like one!

[build a BOOM]

I think he meant innertube. :)

[LinuxH4x0r]

No, I think its a piece that keeps dirt out of the bearings. Look on the rear axle.

[lazerteefs]

This is really cool, but dont most plants need CO2 to survive? Doesnt seem like it could get much if its incased in a light bulb. Is the plant still alive?

[LinuxH4x0r]

We'll see tomorrow. I left it for a month unattended. Pics coming soon

[The Mollusk]

I don't think anyone will care but I'm going to use this idea to grow salvia seedling, if anybody has any tips will you let me know

[dasarp]

Won't it run out of CO2 and need fresh air?

[The Mollusk]

I hold my breath so the air shifts from mostly O2 to mostly CO2, then breath into the bulb, I've been doing it daily but I'm sure you can do it weekly or or less often.

[cornflaker]

I heard somewhere that plants alternate between needing CO2 and O2 at daytime/ night time

[LinuxH4x0r]

Yep, they do

[dasarp]

yes, but the total co2 they make from respiration is less than the 02 they make from photosynthesis, and thus plants are able to balance out the ecosystem by taking care of the co2 animals make from respiration. seriously, I think this tiny greenhouse may need an air hole...

[cornflaker]

Well that makes sense, But I just remembered my grandma had a terrarium thingy, it was like a sealed container with some plants in it and they survived for like at least 20 years probably more (with the occasion opening and spraying a tiny bit of water in it) How does that work?

[dasarp]

The occasional opening probably did the trick by replenishing the air. I guess only someone who's done this will be able to tell if air turns out to be a problem...

[cornflaker]

Ok, I guess the air would last a while but gradually turn to O2

[LinuxH4x0r]

We'll find out tomorrow...

[deth2all]

lol, steps 1-3: make a crack pipe bulb

[The Mollusk]

or weed vaporizer...

[deth2all]

word

[dr-awkward]

dual function. great!

[The Mollusk]

lol

[linuxmom]

LinuxH4x0r is away for a bit--no instant access to the net. And,sigh, he has the camera thus, no pictures. But the plant is ALIVE and GROWING!! Hope to see you soon, son :)

[Cai]

Wondering how long ago this was posted and how your plant is doing...just a little follow up to see how well it works...thinking of doing a bunch of them!

[hello123456]

Looks nice, might try it :)

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! post pictures if you do

[hello123456]

Ok, but first, a broken lightbulb, to bad we mainly other lights... but i'll ask if next time my sisters lamp broke up she can get a lightbulb ;-)

[camb00]

im gonna do this ill try and post pics :P

[joker6211]

very ingenius way put use

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks

[whiteoakart]

Nice reuse project. What happens when the plant gets too big? Can you get it out without breaking the glass?

[kirnex]

You could also train your plant to be very small (i.e. "mame bonsai"). It requires some very simple knowledge of root and offshoot trimming (you could easily google for info). This idea is PERFECT for mame bonsai of a tropical plant, as the cloche aspect of it is great for tropicals, and the roots appear to be much easier to access (essential for bonsai work) than a "standard" planting pot. Who knows...you might get really good at it and create something amazing! Let us know if you try with success. :)

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! Its meant for small plants like mint that don't get big, or are constantly being trimmed. Even if it gets too big I can cut it and take it out

[acer73]

My comment is a little late but Mint get s very big and its roots are extensive. I grew some in the winter and over a month is tripled in size.

[Eromanga]

The ultimate would be to use one of the light bulbs they use on squid boats - they are huge. Cool idea but I have no light bulbs left in the flat - all fluorescent.

[LinuxH4x0r]

I have a huge mercury vapor, but I'm not opening it! Thanks!

[apburner]

The biggest incandecent bulb I have ever seen is a 300 watt. It has no nasty chems in it. and is fairly large.

[Eromanga]

Hadn't thought of the possibility of nasty chemicals. Last time I saw a squid boat bulb was in NZ when a child. I thought they were just really big incandescents (but I could be wrong here - was too young to know any diferent).

[LinuxH4x0r]

I wouldn't know. Maybe they are, maybe they aren't. Just saying what I have

[abcgumchuer]

i read that you can clean out the white stuff by swirling h2o2 in the bulb

[LinuxH4x0r]

Hydrogen peroxide might work. Tell me if you try it

[Hegpetz]

Just plain table salt works a charm, try it out! Swirl it around inside the bulb and the white stuff comes off like water

[cowbacon98]

I second this. It works great, I saw it on another video once.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Ok, I'll try it next time

[gsurov]

i love this!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks!

[autonomousoperations]

for anyone wanting to completely isolate your plant (Eromanga) consider using having the base connect to a section of dirt thats partially exposed to the air that way you can sill water it with out removing the green house covering and if you want to stop the air flow for some reason a small hatch could easily be placed over your exposed section. I plan to build something like this next time a light in my house dies

[LinuxH4x0r]

Interesting idea. Post some pictures if you make one

[cowtipper97]

I'm confused. Is eromanga the same thing as biosphere or ecosphere?

[autonomousoperations]

ops i referred to the wrong persons earlier post eromanga is a user on instructables but i meant to referrer to T3h_Muffinator he suggest some this similar in an earlier post

[Etcetera]

Here's the one I just made, with a tube shaped bulb and a small plastic jar bottom!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Umm, I don't see it......

[Etcetera]

oops, that didn't seem to work as I thought. Here it is.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Looks good! What did you out in it?

[Etcetera]

I'm not quite sure, it's a tiny, wild, flowering plant that I picked out of the ground by a pond by my house. Hopefully it grows well.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Ok, hope to see it when it gets bigger!

[Dorkfish92]

Cool cool! You could take another light bulb, fill it with water and attach a small hose and use it as a dripper to slowly water the plant. Nice instructable!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! Actually I want to make one of these:

[Kathybear]

Give us a link to where you found these!

[LinuxH4x0r]

http://uk.gizmodo.com/2006/07/07/selfwatering_iv_plant_pot.html
has them, but I can't remember where I saw them first

[blubrick]

How can you have one of these and not use it to grow ivy. (FX: chirping crickets) Ivy? IV? (FX: crickets again) thoop thoop - Is this thing on?

[LinuxH4x0r]

LOL, actually ivy is supposed to be good for hydroponics

[dedebe4]

Some may not see the humor in this but I am disabled with Arthritis and get IV infusions every 6 weeks as well as other IV's sometimes, all through a spiffy IV port implanted under my skin above my heart. I know several people who also have to do this. If you figure out how to make the little IV hanger waterer I am going to make them and give them to the Dr and all my gimpy friends! I love it. It takes a wicked sense of humor to be sick all the time, and I love the IV holder for a plant! Too cool! I do love your light bulb terrarium. My kids are going to love this! Thanks! ; )

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! Hope your illness (arthritis needs IVs?) gets cured. My mom works in dialysis and used to work in pediatric ortho. at the shriners in MN, and I felt so bad for those kids. I asked her if she could find me an IV bag. Hope to make it soon. Thanks!

[cobrasniper555]

To make an IV (improvised but efficient) bag, you could take some plastic and lay two thick sheets on top of each other. Then you could melt the edges together to make a seal. Use an iron or something for it! Then puncture the bottom with a hose and a connector for it. If a few replies say it would be a good idea for me to make an Instructable on it, I will. Good idea by the way Linux! Linux is the best OS by the way! :D

[LinuxH4x0r]

Good idea! go for it!

[cobrasniper555]

I will. Tomorrow or maybe sometime...late at night tonight I'll create an instructable.

[dedebe4]

Yes, Arthritis patients have a lot of options (tho they still don't help everyone.) Enbrel and Humira are biologic drugs that you self inject and Remicaid and Orincia are both IV. All four are biologics. Thanks. Hey, could you fashion one with a Food Saver? The machine that sucks the air out of the bag and heat seals it? Or maybe our of laminating film by using four pieces. 2 large (the outside) and two maller (the inside). Center the small one over the large ones. Then stick the two large ones together by their edges? Good luck on that!

[cobrasniper555]

Sorry for my previous comment. It was a little redundant because of yours. Didn't see yours though. I guess, actually, that my comment does answer yours though. Sorry to hear about your Arthritis!

[dedebe4]

Cobrasniper, you're fine. Yours is better. Maybe the tubing for fish tanks could be the inserted tubing. You could put a wooden dowel or an unpainted pencil in the space where the tube would go and the infamous Epoxy or fish tank caulk (at Lowes) could be used to make the seal later with the fish tank tube? I'm never (nost likely) going to be able to make an instructable, but I can throw ideas?!? No sorry needed! ; ) D

[cobrasniper555]

Yea. Sure. Do you have an email-mail so we can share ideas when I create this Instructable? You and Linux will be, of course, included with credit. I'm not sure what plastic (or polymer for that matter) I should use. Common cellophane wrap (like you wrap sandwiches or something in) seems like it would create a lot to create anything near a realistic IV. While typing that last sentence, I may have figured a solution. You know those pencil pouches that have the plastic "window" so you can see what's inside? Maybe I can use that? Open to all ideas here. It would be my first Instructable. -Thanks!

[dedebe4]

Yes, I'll post it here as it's a disposable for those of you who think you'll be getting in my email. It's here for Cobrasniper and after he emails me I'll give him the real thing and destroy the one listed here. So here's an email address just for you! lol [e-mail] BTW saran wrap is too thin, but you could look on the office aisle for see thru items of plastic. Did you know that melting some plastics lets off toxic fumes! Don't want you keeling over on us! D

[cobrasniper555]

I've sent you the e-mail. :) And yes, burning the plastic releases fumes but not melting (heating the plastic until it becomes applicable).

-Cobra

[dedebe4]

I looked all over and can't find the email. Also checked the name I made and that's it. [e-mail] Did it with copy paste right from my mail so I know this one's right. Could you resend? Thanks D

[cobrasniper555]

Haha, I found it in the Outbox (wasn't sent) so I hit the "Send/Receive All" button. It's there now. :D

[LinuxH4x0r]

Oh, ok. I'll look into the other options for the bag. Thanks! I'll keep you posted

[Dorkfish92]

You're welcome! Mabey you could even turn the bulb upside down and fill it with dirt. Then let the plant grow out the top. (so that it gets the carbon dioxide) and then you could use the dropper bulb.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Yeah, I'll try that if I make another one (for a larger plant)

[Etcetera]

Ingenious idea, I'm going to make a ton of these and give them away as gifts!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! Post some pictures if you do

[turner22]

doesn't it need co2 to survive? what happens when all of the gas in the bulb is oxygen? i made one and i am really excited for it.

[zobier]

You could put a small colony of minibeasts in there to help with that. V. cool project

[LinuxH4x0r]

Hmm, not sure if I'd want something living in my mint. Thanks!

[LinuxH4x0r]

No, it gets enough when I water it. Besides, it can start aerobic respiration if there is no CO2

[nerdnurture]

CO2 is for photosynthesis, not respiration. And I think you meant "anaerobic respiration" anyway, which is what you do in the absence of oxygen in order to burn the sugar for energy. I am not sure whether or not plants can do that... That's how alcohol and lactic acid are produced. But at any rate, it will get what it needs when you open it up to water it. Not that it should need much watering, with the evaporation/condensation that will be going on in there... COOL instructable though - didn't mean to be a troll! (-:

[LinuxH4x0r]

What you said is right. I said that O2 is used for aerobic respiration when the plant runs out of CO2. Sorry for the bad wording Thanks!

[nerdnurture]

Oh, I get your point now. Sorry! It would do both processes, sort of like a forced light and dark cycle. They wouldn't be balanced though, since more CO2 is needed for new tissue growth than is released from respiration. But it would work for a long time! I wonder how long you could leave this thing sealed up? The water and gases will both cycle... It would be interesting to find out!

[LinuxH4x0r]

I'll be in Minnesota for a week, so we'll see how it handles it

[turner22]

what is aerobic respiration?

[shooby]

What is Wikipedia?

[cobrasniper555]

Haha...not playing Jepardy but good point.

[LinuxH4x0r]

using O2

[A good name]

I love how you put a disclaimer, no one is going to be able to find you, and if they do, who the hell is going to sue for a couple of shards of glass after they were playing with lightbulbs?

[LinuxH4x0r]

IDK, I guess its better to be safe than sorry.

[A good name]

lol, ok.

[shaneshane]

Nice one! easy 5 star

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks!

[cuteaznprincesss]

holy cow i haven't seen anything so ingenious!! this is totally something you could market and live off the profits for the rest of your life. but then that's defeat the purpose of this instructable. hmm. great idea for the 10+ light bulbs i've recently changed out = ] thanks!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! Post pictures when you make them (also check out my other lightbulb ible)

[mycroftxxx]

Linuxhaxor, you and your mom continue to churn out the good instructables. Very nice work!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks!

[stinkymum]

Is that mint in there ?

[LinuxH4x0r]

Yep! Thanks for looking!

[DELETED_axol123]

(removed by author or community request)

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! I'd pobably win if there was one

[uguy]

Such modesty!

[Spartan 117]

Awesome just awesome you got my vote Aaron

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks!

[cowtipper97]

Very cool idea. I'm going to go look for the light bulb I hollowed out several months ago so can make one.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! Post some pictures of it.

[cowtipper97]

I will as soon as I find it. I have not been able to look since we just moved 1 month ago most of my stuff is still in boxes.

[zako]

i made one,doesn't look as good as yours but i gave it a good go. are light bulbs are not the same as yours and there isn't any around so i used glue. heres a pic of it!

[shooby]

Looks good to me.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Awesome! I can't believe someone else actually made it!

[DainiusGB]

wow! you could make some sweet displey out of 50 of those! you could put LEDs in and they could glow also. The glass is probably a great bug deflector!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks!
you might also like this one:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Get-the-LED-out-Glass-Filled-LED-Lightbulb/

[lordofthedonuts]

It's just Awesome! You've got a pretty good Instructables here Mr. LinuxH4x0r, if you seal the whole thing, condensation would build up and come back to the plant in water, it would become a autonomous miniature ecosystem but you need a small plant though. Pretty good pictures by the way! 5/5, added to favorite, I hope you win this contest!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! Its pretty much sealed, and water does come back down. I keep the bottom unsealed so I can water it. Mint is a perfect small plant because I'm constantly cutting and eating it. Thanks!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Ok, for all of you who were wondering this is how you water it. Either way works fine

[GorillazMiko]

+5/5 stars.

_;-)

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks!

[aaronscottaugustinhotmail.com]

awesome a+++ rating how do you rate btw? umm anyways I had asked my janitor at my school for all the old bulbs that they replaced with fluorescent bulbs that I had 100 or so free bulbs so ask around guys :) and awesome idea. I used old plastic bottles (the little quart ones) and a 1in diameter pvc pipe and glued that on top and filled it with dirt and it was made out of 75% recycled stuff

[LinuxH4x0r]

Cool! Pictures? Thanks!

[aaronscottaugustinhotmail.com]

nvm i found the rating thing

[organizm987]

i fail :(

[LinuxH4x0r]

stop it! stop failing. Fail at failing! wow, that was random

[Hello Kitty]

How do you water it? And what happens when it gets bigger? JK! Does no one read the earlier posts? That's so FUNNY how many people ask the exact same questions! I guess it's just the "herd" mentality. Anyway, NICE Instructable! 5 star rating!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! I'm going to add some pictures to explain the care for it tonight.

[blckthng]

Wont the plant die if it doesn't get enough Carbon Dioxide, which I feel its bound to run out of pretty quickly......... BTW- Great instructable

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks. Actually it can switch to aerobic respiration if it has to. Besides, I lif it up at least once a day to water it

[blckthng]

In that case wont you ruin the poor plant wen u remove the bulb specifically when the plant grows relatively bigger ?

[LinuxH4x0r]

No, its mint, its meant to be small and constantly cut

[Sergeant Crayon]

Sweet, very symbolistic in my opinion! (In a good way.)

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks!

[Sunbanks]

What if I cant take the rubber part off of your bike? :P Great instructable :)

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! Just use whatever you can find (actually I think i have one more)

[benthekahn]

wheres the fun in that?

[LinuxH4x0r]

? half the fun is rummaging for stuff that works.

[DELETED_craz meanman]

(removed by author or community request)

[LinuxH4x0r]

Tip the silver part up off the cup and spray onto the dirt

[drummonkey92]

wow that looks realy nice aswell as being functional! wouldnt it damage the plant when you take it out though? seeing that it would have grown quite a bit. also, does anyone else have the urge to plant a watermelon seed and soo how long it takes to brake the glass? lol

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! No, I use small plants like mint so it doesn't matter. Actually that might work! You'd get bulb shaped melons

[Browncoat]

Very cool looking!! To water, do you take the silver thing off of the small cup? And are there any plants that stay small enough that they could live in there instead of needing transplanted?

[LinuxH4x0r]

Yep, just tilt the silver part up and spray some water on it. I use mint, but lots of other herbs would be ideal. You might be able to do bonsai! :P Thanks!

[zako]

wow this is an awesome instructable! going in the favorites, im going to make one tomorrow, cant wait. thanks !!!!!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! Post some pictures if you make it

[joejoerowley]

Very Cool! Instant Classic! Just wondering how old are you LinuxH4x0r? Thanks Joe

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! I'm 16

[benthekahn]

Cool! How do you water it?

[LinuxH4x0r]

Just tilt the base up and spray onto the dirt. I'm adding another step, so you might want to look over it again

[benthekahn]

ok, i get it now. Thanks.

[LinuxH4x0r]

No problem. Did I edit it in time for you to see the new pictures?

[benthekahn]

Yes, I saw them. Now I need to find a way to burn out light bulbs without my parents suspecting...

[LinuxH4x0r]

Or just act like they are burnt out....

[dethshil]

I was wondering what kind of bulb you use now? please don't say compact flourescents. You do understand that compacts may save energy but have mercury in them and will pollute our landfills. Personally I would rather break an incandescent on my floor then a compact fluorescent..no mercury in an incandescent. Ideologies aside... I like this instructable maybe a larger bulb for the bigger plants would work well.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! I use florescent now.
I understand that they have mercury, but coal plants generate so much pollution.

Thanks!

[Labot2001]

Great idea! But why did you have to give the incandescent light bulb such a negative statement? (The incandescent light bulb is the ultimate symbol of wasted energy) Aren't they also a symbol of innovation, bright ideas, and technology? This ible was built on a bright idea, have that be your symbol instead.

Just a though ;]
+1 vote

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! Yeah, but cfls are the symbol of saved energy, so I thought that....nevermind Thanks!

[chief tyrol]

Nice Instructable I'm planning on making a couple to put on my window sill, I just have one question. How does the plant get air? since a light bulb is air-tight.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! It gets enough when I water it. besides, it can go back to using O2 if there isn't CO2

[Lego man]

How do you water it?

[LinuxH4x0r]

Tilt up the base and spray water onto the soil (its just sitting on top of the cup, not glued or anything)

[Gjdj3]

Oh wow! That's really cool. I'm going to try that.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks. Don't forget to post pictures if you do.

[Gjdj3]

Ok, I will. I think I'll actually do that now! Oh, but I have a quick question. It's a bit off topic... I just published an instructable that I know I published on the 24th. The problem is that it says it was published on the 7th, so it never showed up in recent instructables or anything. Is there anyway to fix that?

[LinuxH4x0r]

Hmm, its happened to me, but I don't know how to fix it. Ask one of the staff to fix it for you

[Culturedropout]

Cool idea. You could save some time (and make the joke even better) by just using a porcelain light socket as the base. You could even drill/break a hole through the bottom of the socket and mount it on a standard "handy box" just like you would if you were going to actually install the light fixture in a ceiling. Fill the box with dirt, mount the socket on it, water it, poke a seed into the center, and screw the bulb down over it. You can find industrial lightbulbs (300-500 watts) that fit a standard socket, but with a much larger glass bulb if you want a bigger plant.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks! I was considering using a socket, but I didn't have on, and also the dirt might get in the threads keep it from screwing on. If not for the mercury I would havedone my mercury vapor bulb, which is over a foot long and has a huge base. Thanks for the idea, I might try it with a heat lamp or a floodlight.

[Brennn10]

I love this LinuxH4x0r! Very intuitive indeed!

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks!

[Dungeonbrownies]

honestly, this plant wont live long, but its so aesthetically pleasing its minor-almost-art-gift-thing quality

[LinuxH4x0r]

Its mint, its not meant to live long. Thanks!

[madkiller]

make a hydroponic garden like this for and insect free clean and organic mint leaves :D

[LinuxH4x0r]

Good idea! I should definitely try that.

[Mr. Rig It]

What happens when the plant gets bigger? Will it outgrow the base? A most interesting idea indeed.

[LinuxH4x0r]

Thanks. When it grows too big I eat it! Its meant for small plants or for seeds, so thats not usually a problem.

[Megax29]

how do you clean the tint on the inside of the bulb i tried with water and dint work

[Patrik]

Some of the recommendations from other Instructables include swirling some coarse salt or sand around in the bulb - guess that provides enough of a scrubbing action to clean off th epowder coating, without scratching the glass itself.

[LinuxH4x0r]

I've done it with water and it worked fine. Try using a compressor to blow it out or use something to wipe it out

[csharpdeveloper]

some light bulbs use frosted glass instead of the phosphorus powder on others. you can't remove the tint on frosted glass.