FishProfiles.com Message Forums

hi! i've been looking at investing in some 'fancy' lighting (such as compact flourescents) for my fowlr tank so that i can begin to get some inverts (soft corals, etc...).

my only question is: some of the lights that i've been looking at are the ones that sit on little 'legs' above the tank so that they don't heat the tank water too much. the tanks that i've seen like this don't usually have a hood on them. i currently have a firefish and a carpenter's flasher wrasse, both of which are apparently good jumpers.

so, is it possible to have more advanced lighting and still have a tight-fitting aquarium hood that these fish need?

thanks!

Generally when you have an open top tank you cover it in something like egg crate or plastic mesh. Currently I haven't set up a tank like that but was looking into it for if I decide to upgrade my lights.

One possible solution if your 'advanced' overhead lighting is one of these luminaire contraptions that are so fashionable these days with T5s and halides - cut some plastic sheeting to shape so that it forms a transparent 'roof' leading to your luminaire. Nice cheap DIY solution that will keep your jumpers safe. With a little modification you can also build in a feeding hatch.


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

Or if you're feeling really fancy you can build/have built a custom hood with the room for the lighting and still form a seal around the tank. Simply install about 4 computer fans to regulate temperature.

thanks for the suggestions... that gives me some interesting options to consider