lighting options?

[peathenster]

Hi folks - I'm getting a tank with no light. It comes with big 1/8" glass lids. I'm thinking about putting the lighting system under the lids (apparently above the water) to keep the top nice and clean (and the wife happy).

There are a few brackets under the lids that I can lay the lights on. There are about ~2.5 inches between the brackets and the lids.

So I guess the "lighting system" has to be:

1. fit in the 2.5" space
2. water proof (in case water gets splashed on it)
3. relatively decent light (there will be some plants)
4. won't break the bank
5. would be ideal if there's some kind of reflector to keep light from escaping from above
6. doesn't produce a ton of heat and burn itself out too fast (heating the water is not a concern)

I'm thinking about DIY with something like this http://www.reefshops.com/waterproof-t5h … -reef.html but am not sure how well it works.

Any suggestions, ideas and experiences would be greatly appreciated...Thanks!

 

[bob965]

Are you talking about the regular flat glass hinged lids that fit in the recess in the aquarium top frame? How would you attach the lighting fixture underneath that? Maybe I'm just misunderstanding what kind of lid you're talking about, but in any case, having your light fixture that close to the water with nothing in between is probably not a good idea.

Even if you use the sockets you linked to, you still have to put the ballast and all the wiring somewhere. Maybe a nice looking canopy would be a better solution.

 

[JakeH]

I agree. Either get a nice canopy or a nice looking light fixture.

 

[koop171]

If you want a great underwater light try to find someone that can get you "nan" lights.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114737

 

[peathenster]

Thanks guys and sorry for the confusion. They are just regular glass lids. The lights are not going to be attached to the lids, but will be on the brackets.



Here is a picture of the tank...as you can see a canopy is not the easiest thing to add.....any my wife thinks canopies look depressing....

 

[peathenster]

If you want a great underwater light try to find someone that can get you "nan" lights.

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114737

Cool idea. Doesn't look like they are getting any in anytime soon tho

 

[JakeH]

Isnt there already a canopy on there? Looks like it in the pic...

 

[peathenster]

Isnt there already a canopy on there? Looks like it in the pic...

well I wouldn't necessarily call it a canopy....not "tall" enough...the glass lids sit on top, and the 2.5" space is between the lids and a few brackets.

what do the reef tank folks use?