Will this work

[cichlid savage]

I was in Home Depot today and saw that I could buy a dual tube shop light for 23 bucks. I can buy 36" flourescent tubes for about 12 buck each. The light at the LFS is almost 100 bucks.

Can I mount the shop light inside my canopy without a fire hazzard?

 

[Danh]

I have done it with 48" and coralife bulbs.... Althought I never thought about it being a fire hazard. My fish room has 8 48" walmart/hd striplights... but only one was ever in a canopy.

 

[hayden]

i also have the 48 inch double shop lights as i have said to you before i have not used it yet because the project is not done. but it should work well.

 

[CHOMPERS]

Make sure it is on a GFCI circuit or outlet. You can pick up one for 5$ to $15.The problem you will run into is rust and corrosion. But for the savings it is worth it to plan on replacing in five or so years. You will still come out ahead. Build a clear plastic box/tray to protect it from splashes and moisture (depending on the design of your hood).

 

[cichlaguapote]

Make sure it is on a GFCI circuit or outlet. You can pick up one for 5$ to $15.The problem you will run into is rust and corrosion. But for the savings it is worth it to plan on replacing in five or so years. You will still come out ahead. Build a clear plastic box/tray to protect it from splashes and moisture (depending on the design of your hood).

I agree.. it will work but rust is a PITA.. I have a cheapy and the paint is cheap and flaking.. then water/moisture makes it rust.

IMO try to score a cheap used light on craigslist but that's just me...

 

[trplxj]

I use 2 48" Home Depot shop lights above my tank in the canopy and I have had no problems. But my canopy does not have a top, so no moisture build up inside the canopy. the light sit about 12" above the water and I've not had a fish splash they bad enough to break the bulds or cause any other problems.

 

[Bderick67]

As Chompers stated, pleaase use a GFCI on all your aquarium accessories.

The best way to do this is would be to only mount the plastic "tombstones" in the canopy and remote mount the ballast in a dry location. The is a member here "Portabuddy" who built a great DIY canopy lighting, check out this thread. http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60520&highlight=lighting He bought the parts individually, but it may be cheaper to buy the complete shop light and take the needed parts.