Michigan Cichlid Association

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: RichE on October 24, 2012, 01:16:24 AM

Title: lighting question
Post by: RichE on October 24, 2012, 01:16:24 AM
I picked up a 6 ft tank and and came with a hood/canopy. There are 3ft lights with it, but Im not sure if I should mount them to the lid of the canopy.

If I don't go that route, what about mounting a 48" Fluorescent light fixture (shop light), you think that would give enough light to a 6ft tank?

Thanks

Rich
Title: Re: lighting question
Post by: Regalblue on October 24, 2012, 01:26:36 AM
I used a 48" dual bulb T5 on my 125 for almost a year.  I was satisfied with the output on it.
Title: Re: lighting question
Post by: RichE on October 24, 2012, 01:34:43 AM
did you mount it right to the lid, so when you lift the lid the light lifts up with it?
Title: Re: lighting question
Post by: Regalblue on October 24, 2012, 02:34:13 AM
I had it sitting right on top of the lids (homemade eggcrate) 
Title: Re: lighting question
Post by: GrizzlysDad on October 24, 2012, 10:12:57 AM
If you are going to mount the shop light, I have chrome reflectors and could bring one the the MCA auction.
Title: Re: lighting question
Post by: RichE on October 24, 2012, 10:39:29 AM
If you are going to mount the shop light, I have chrome reflectors and could bring one the the MCA auction.

If I was to mount the 3ft "aquarium" lights I have now would this chrome reflector work?

Blair said I could just sit them on top of egg grate which I have, I just thought if they were mounted it would be nice, this way they are stationary.

My only concern, is the vents on top of the light fixtures would be covered, could I just add some holes to the sides and frt and back to allow air
Title: Re: lighting question
Post by: Ron on October 24, 2012, 10:55:29 AM
Adding some holes in the sides to allow heat from the ballast somewhere to go should would work fine.

I've got a couple of 6' tanks with dual 48" bulb fixtures mounted in them and they work great. I actually prefer that the ends of the tank are a little darker because I think it makes the end of the tank look less abrupt. FWIW I never drilled holes though and they've been in use for 6+ years.
Title: Re: lighting question
Post by: beach on October 29, 2012, 09:33:18 PM
I agree with Ron - it looks good to have the bright center and dimmer sides  ...  fish like it that way too.