Can I upgrade lighting without buying a new hood

[steelhealr]

Hi....does anyone know if there is a retrofit light or canopy that will fit my 46 gallon bowfront plastic hood without having to buy a whole new glass hood? The tank came with a 36" single strip fluorescent light, 4 1/2" wide. It supplies only 25 watts and I was hoping to increase my wattage to support some easy beginner plants. I have freshwater small fish (eg, tetras, coris, angels). The hood is plastic with a central glass strip that the light fits over. Any help or direction on where to look would be helpful. Many aquarium stores online don't supply dimensions on the lighting products. Thanks in advance. Frank

 

[Lateral Line]

I think I know the type of thing you have, a basically opaque lid with a glass window, and a seperate box with the light in it that sits over the window.

I acquired one such as this a long while ago. The starter was built into the light box and I had to drill out the connectors to get it open. Once open, it was apparant there was enough physical space to add another starter and a bit of DIY I got me second lamp in there, which was good enough for it's purpose.

For a planted tank, it'll be difficult. Most serious plant keepers build their own hoods to get the requisite light levels.

You should be able to keep a few low light plants. Java Moss and Java fern will tolerate low light, and most Anubias species will almost grow in the dark, (albeit slowly).

 

[steelhealr]

Hi..thanks for your reply. After a lot of research, I get the impression that this hood is a dead end for lighting and I should have purchased a 'Versa-top' hood which is an all glass flat hood. However, much like your suggestion, I added some beginner's/low light plants and they seem to be thriving on a 30W AquaGlow light (anubias, banana lilly, hornwort, anacharis and even wisteria). I'm not sure if it will keep up, but, the plants are showing new growth with good color. After I get more experience, my next project will be to get the glass hood and upgrade my lighting. Thanks for your time and HNY. Frank