Tank hood

Ive just finished the build on my hood for a record 120L, Size: 101 x 46 x 31 cm. Just paint and varnish to go.
As you can see the tank is pretty narrow so I think i'm limited to 3 T8 tubes and reflectors. (the original is a struggle with 2)
Ive looked at other lighting options (power compacts and T5 ) but both seem to have a few draw backs.
With the power compacts i cant find reflectors and seems to be a lack of choice with the tubes.
T5s again seem to be hamperd by choice of tubes.
Any advice here would be most welcome

with lid on

Hey nice job, nice hood, Juwel hoods are such a pain in the @#*&, but the 120 is narrow for its length but they are a nice tank for the price, i use the Interpet power compacts, i use the daylight 6500k 55 watts, they give a nice light for viewing the tank and they obviously work for the plants as well, there wouldnt be any colour cast off them, but they wouldnt be a very cold light either, the only problem for you is the maximum length of them is 23 inches with the fitting, id steer clear of the beauty tube and either stick with the daylight or triplus, although the triplus gives of a slightly pinkish hue.

The 55watt is 21 inches

The 36 watt is 16 inches

The 24 watt is 12 inches

And add about 2-3 inches for the light fitting.

I couldnt find the correct reflectors either and used ordinary arcadia T8 reflectors instead, i was a bit worried when i ordered them online that they wouldnt work to well, but i have to say they work really good and my tank is 18 inches wide, there is no light fall off whatsoever, i have since learnt (but i havent really checked this out) that i think Interpet refer to them as "enhancers" rather than reflectors, but like i say i havent checked it out i read it somewhere.

Im not familar with the arcadia range of T5s i think they are a good bit more expensive.

The only other thing i can think of right now is that they recommend that the tubes dont get splashed with any drips of water etc i use glass covers that i made myself to protect the lights from condensation etc.

But the T5s certainly pack a punch for their size and im happy with mine.

Good luck with it, the hood looks really good, nice bit of woodwork

Cheers Zig, im lucky to have access to a full workshop of carpentry machines (and wood lol read FREE ) so makes things a hell of a lot easier.
I see where your coming from on the length for the compacts, that could pose a wee problem. Oh well might have to take my son to see the fish again lol and check out lighting again