Lighting my 120-gal

[suezahn]

Hi folks, please excuse me if I've asked this before, but it seems that the more opinions I gather, the more confused I get.

The 120-gal is a wider-than-average tank, so I've had a few folks recommend doing a retrofit kit to help space out the lighting to better cover all corners of the tank. However, I've just learned they don't make a canopy for this size that matches the stand I just purchased. I don't have a woodshop (sadly!) and I'm no electrician, anyway...so at least that cuts down my options and eases my decision a bit.

I'm looking now at pre-made light fixtures. Metal halides are right out due simply to price. So now it's down to either power compacts or high-output T-5s. I would prefer not to suspend it from the ceiling, so I'm looking at mounting it on legs or just resting it on the tank top.

My question to you folks is: Do I buy one honking big fixture, like those massive 6- or 8-bulb HO T5 lights, or do I buy a couple of the double-bulb fixtures and just space them apart to better cover the entire area?

And T5 or power compact? I know some of the pros of T5s (price, bulb life, reflecting), but what are some of the cons?

[Spine]

Assuming that you have a 4 ft. tank. You could either lay on top or suspend two 4ft. shop lights. I would use a block of wood or plexiglass so the light dont touch the rim of the tank.This keeps the light from putting alot of heat in the tank and cut down on the chance of getting shocked.You might think about making your own over driven lights it cheap and easy http://www.gwapa.org/articles/ODNO/ Try http://www.ahsupply.com/ they have some ready made tops and retro fit lights.




Kevin

[gnatster]

What are the dimensions of the tank please?

[Aaron]

Same one you had Nate - 48x24x24

I've suggested 4 x 54 watt 48" T5 HO bulbs using a retro fit kit so they can be evenly spaced in a canopy. http://www.reefgeek.com/products/catego ... 04068.html
That kit with 4 of these bulbs http://www.reefgeek.com/products/catego ... 04048.html
You could also get the 6 x 54 watt kit and only run 4 bulbs while getting a feel for things.

[suezahn]

Oh, sorry, it's 48x24x24.

[suezahn]

The problem is that they don't make a canopy this size that matches the black pine stand I've already bought. I don't want to buy a canopy that doesn't match, and it's a display tank in my living room, so I really don't want something that looks jury-rigged.

[gnatster]

It's to bad AGA doesn't build a canopy for that size tank. I don't know about pricing but check out this site for a canopy http://www.briaquaticcabinets.com/

[suezahn]

It wasn't until after I'd put the money down on the new tank that I'd learned about the lighting issues. Heck, if I'd known all this already, I would have just gone ahead and got the 180-gal tank that I'd REALLY wanted. I hadn't because a light for it was looking to run at least $800...but at the rate things are going, it may hit that anyway.

[Jeff120]

If you have a hand saw, wood glue, drill, and some nails or screws you could bulid your own canopy. Home Depot is a great place! Have you looked at AH supply. The canopy they have is 9.75 wide, maybe a little to narrow. I would try calling and see if they would make you a wider one, worth a shot if you dont want to make your own

[John G]

I second the AHSupply suggestion. They do make black enclosures. They have always responded to my questions, and always try to help.