new tank lighting

[TheJGMProject]

I just received a hand-me-down 40 gal tank but with no lighting system. It has a hood so I'm looking for a MH application (like 2 x 150W).

Is a retro fit kit ideal to use with the hood or is there something else I can get? I just want to utilize the hood since it matchs the stand.

Thanks!

 

[ChrisRD]

How tall is the hood? You generally need a fairly tall hood to accommodate halides.

 

[Anonymous]

2ea 150watt halade should be fine.

 

[TheJGMProject]

I found out the hood that goes with the tank is somewhat shallow and isn't high enough for MH's.

If I were to build a hood/canopy out of wood (i'm sure I'd need to coat it with fire retardant, and have a cooling fan) what type of MH kit should I look to get? Retro or what?

Thanks!

 

[ChrisRD]

If it's a 3' long tank with no centerbrace, IME a single halide is fine. Personally, I probably wouldn't bother spending the extra money on a pendent if I was going to build a canopy anyway so I'd go with a retro kit in this case. In shallow tanks like this almost any wattage will be fine although you might want to go with a 250 watter if you're planning on keeping predominantly high light animals like acros, clams, etc...

JMO

 

[Anonymous]

If you are going to build your own canopy, a retrofit kit whould work fine.

...Personally, I probably wouldn't bother spending the extra money on a pendent if I was going to build a canopy anyway so I'd go with a retro kit in this case.
JMO

Not to disagree with Chris, but you might consider a single pendant light (hangs from the ceiling) as an alternative if you don't want to DIY a hood. There are some advantages to those, mostly because they don't heat up the tank water so much and it's nice to be able to light the tank and still be able to work on it. The disadvantage is that some people don't like the looks of the pendant and don't want to put in the eye bolts to hold them.

 

[TheJGMProject]

thanks for all of your advice. i will definately take all into consideration

 

[SnowManSnow]

I have a 400w pendant that hangs over my tank and I love it. My previous tank was setup the same way. I built a canopy that was topless and only 3 sided (back open) just to set on top of the tank to hide the fixture and keep the light fromspilling over into the room.

B

 

[Anonymous]

I have a 400w pendant that hangs over my tank and I love it. My previous tank was setup the same way. I built a canopy that was topless and only 3 sided (back open) just to set on top of the tank to hide the fixture and keep the light fromspilling over into the room.

B

Nice idea Snow! I'll file that one away