Lighting for 84x30x30

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
jvc66

jvc66

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Jul 10, 2015
654
225
61
NJ
hi guys, im lookimg for some lighting suggestions for larger tanks. I would like to do nice led pendants in the future but at the moment out of the budget with my build. I am worried that whatever light i choose will not be able to reach the bottom of the tank or spread all the way from front to back. Also 84" is a large span so there is not much out there for that. I am going to have central american cichlids so i would like to show off their colors and not have it too dark.

What is everyone using? Thanks!
 
My advice would be to look at led flood lights of 30 watts and upwards.
They are not really made for fish tanks but are water proof affordable and bright.
Look at diy stores. I got my led food lights for around £20 each.
If you only get two or three it can create nice very bright and dark areas to the tank.
They do get a little warm so would need to be ventilated.
I have found them very affective and cheap.
 
I'm in agreement with Stanzzzz7. i use floodlights on my tanks and i cant think of too many downsides to them... besides looking a little ugly, but i guess it depends on how you mount the light
 
Stanzzzz7 said:
My advice would be to look at led flood lights of 30 watts and upwards.
They are not really made for fish tanks but are water proof affordable and bright.
Look at diy stores. I got my led food lights for around £20 each.
If you only get two or three it can create nice very bright and dark areas to the tank.
They do get a little warm so would need to be ventilated.
I have found them very affective and cheap.
Click to expand...

Your per perfect person for this question since you know what I am doing. I would be a little cautious since I am going to have an acrylic tank with the heat. DO you have yours mounted in a canopy? Also would you mind taking a picture so I could get a good luck at the light?

Greenboy said:
I'm in agreement with Stanzzzz7. i use floodlights on my tanks and i cant think of too many downsides to them... besides looking a little ugly, but i guess it depends on how you mount the light
Click to expand...

It's not a bad idea and i thought about it in every past just wasn't sure what what fixture to really get as well as the led bulb itself. How do you have yours mounted? Pics?
 
IMG_0270.JPG Well here's a pic of my 10 gallon office tank. Very poorly done really but it was a first attempt and I did it all for £25 including the light. Held together with contact adhesive, a couple screws and some zips

The zip ties are just to told back the cable, not structural
 
freak78 said:
This is how the fixture lights up my 220.
View attachment 1256669
Click to expand...

the 72" beamswork is an option for sure. I was leaning towards that route to begin with if I wasnt going with nice pendants. Tank looks nice and bright

Greenboy said:
View attachment 1256668 Well here's a pic of my 10 gallon office tank. Very poorly done really but it was a first attempt and I did it all for £25 including the light. Held together with contact adhesive, a couple screws and some zips

The zip ties are just to told back the cable, not structural
Click to expand...

I would need to come up with a mount for multiple that goes behind the tank. Will have to do some brain storming
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom