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Because I am going to do plants, I am going to need a better hood so I can have more wattage.
I am going to need a 24" light fixture (to fit 2 18" bulbs) and It might overlap some, but I can handle that.
The inside where the normal hood would sit is 23 3/8" x 11 1/2" (59.4 x 29.2 cm)
The very outer sides (including the trim) is 24 1/4" x 12 9/16" (61.6 x 32cm)

Could you DIYers help me get started? I am in a completly new ocean here!
~Morgan


~Morgan~

If you aren't into the DIY and don't know what you are doing, there's no shame in buying a set up. It'll be much easier for you to buy a glass lid like this]http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=3790&Ntt=glass%20top&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1[/link] one, and a coralife power compact fixture, like [link=this one.

If you really want to go the DIY route you can build a little wooden box out of ply wood or whatever and use what is called a retrofit kit. You can find one of those on the same website.

Good luck

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Critical Fertilator: The Micromanager of Macronutrients

The extremely simple and cheap way to light a tank is to just go to a hardware store or walmart and get a double bulb shoplight fixture the same length as your tank. Then get a glass top for it and lay the fixture on it. Switch the bulbs to your aquarium ones first. There is some light leakage around the edges but you can't be too picky about something that only costs $5-$10 and serves it's purpose. Otherwise a quick search on google for DIY canopy or DIY aquarium hood will give you tons of plans and even some wiring diagrams. I do not suggest wiring it yourself unless you have some electrical experience. Short circuits, fires, and other bad results are not uncommon when dealing with water and electricity. Either way if you haven't already I suggest covering the tank with a glass top first to help protect whatever lighting system you get.

I think I am going to get the glass top a Drs. Foster & Smith and I found the compact fixture on big Al's for much cheaper!
Thanks so much!
~Morgan
PS(If I end up not getting the fixture, I will get the glass top and the workshop lamp)


~Morgan~