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Setting up a new 55 gallon and have a question about lighting. I have no experience with compact fluorescents. Is this light going to get to hot to sit on the top of a glass lid?
Coralife Freshwater Aqualight- 48" Power Compact Light-2 x 65W

I am thinking of this ligh as it will give me about 2.3 wpg. The alternative I have is to go with:

2x Coralife F/W T-5 Aqualight Double Strip Light-48 (56w)

this will get me right at 2 wpg for about the same money as above. I have yet to determine if i can fit 2 of these lights on the top of my tank. Anyone have an opinion on this one?

I do plan on growing medium to low light plants.

thanks.

I really don't know if it would get too hot or not, however I do know that you can get legs that attach to the Coralife lights that will elevate the light fixture approximately 2 inches above the top. That is what I use on all of mine and have had no problems.

Jim

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

I've got the 4x 65w version on my 75g, and it's right on the top moulding, about half an inch off the glass. It gets hot, but not enough to do damage to anything. Your light should have a little fan to keep the ballasts cool enough for safe operation.

I wouldn't worry about it, but as youngman said, there are legs to keep it up and off the glass if you wish.

Thanks, fallout, it's been a long time since anyone called me youngman

Jim

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Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody. -- Mark Twain

Thanks for the feedback. Going to go ahead with the compact 2x 65w. I really didn't want to fight with multiple lights anyways.

Hi,
I've been running 2x65 compact fluorescents sitting on top
of a glass cover, on top of a 29G tank for over 10
years now.

Other than replacing the fan once, nothing has happened.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Even with out a fan and just vents two 65w bulbs should be fine. Only time I had trouble was with a cheap 4x65w fixture that had no fans and tiny vents. Even then the tank did not heat up that much but the glass cover got so hot the glue holding the handles on melted enough to not stick.