LF: Lighting recommendations?

[murgus]

Hi All,

I think I need to upgrade my single 24" T8 fluorescent fixture on the 35 gal (36"x12"x18").  Ii was hoping to go the DIY route to keep costs down and was wondering:

(1) could I retrofit my current hood to take 2 x T8 bulbs?  It looks like there would be room if there was a remote ballast.  If so, where could I get the fixture
(2) if I should get a new hood, should it be 36"?  With a glass cover?

Any suggestions considered :lol:

Thanks,
murgus

[redbelly]

i would either get a new hood that you can put more tubes in, or build your own hood that could take more tubes. I have 6 tubes over my 33g and might be able to squeeze in another 2.

[redbelly]

oh yeah and building your own hood would let you put in 36" lights

[darkdep]

I recently did this on one of my 30's.  I had a standard fixture with a single 30" T10 bulb.

I gutted the fixture down to the raw plastic shell, and wired on an electronic ballast from Home Depot (which I mounted to the back of the fixture), and installed two sets of T8 lampholders using regular plastic cement.  Once glued in place, I ran the wires nice and clean, and put in 2 30" T8 bulbs, and the difference was amazing.  Best part...I didn't need to build a new canopy.  It still looks "stock".

I'd be happy to provide pics and details if you're interested...

[luvfishies]

http://www.boognish.org/ripvan/fishdiy/

[darkdep]

That's a good page, similar to what I did myself.  Very detailed.

[repeej]

Built my own wooden hood and used industrial shop lights (36").  Then added the 36" daylight bulbs.  Turned out great and the plants are really doing well now.