Lighting Idea For A 4Ft

[Littlemonkey]

When I received my 4ft x 1ft tank there was no lid or proper lighting, so we incorporated the lid and lights from my old tank. Trouble is the light is mainly concentrated in the middle and the end's are lacking full lights. The tank is a clearseal and has glass trays at the end's. I was thinking of getting two 9" T5 tubes (1 for each end) with appropriate connectors. My plants which were thriving in the 120 litre seem to be a little lack lustre in the bigger aquarium, all I can put it down to is the lighting. I can't afford to get a replacement lid and lights at the mo and thought this may be a cheaper alternative. Do you think this will work or would it look odd. Advice or tips welcome. Thanks.

 

[plecostomus-mad]

When I received my 4ft x 1ft tank there was no lid or proper lighting, so we incorporated the lid and lights from my old tank. Trouble is the light is mainly concentrated in the middle and the end's are lacking full lights. The tank is a clearseal and has glass trays at the end's. I was thinking of getting two 9" T5 tubes (1 for each end) with appropriate connectors. My plants which were thriving in the 120 litre seem to be a little lack lustre in the bigger aquarium, all I can put it down to is the lighting. I can't afford to get a replacement lid and lights at the mo and thought this may be a cheaper alternative. Do you think this will work or would it look odd. Advice or tips welcome. Thanks.

i had the same problem. the solution i came up with was building a hood to house what is essentially 2 x 4ft long florescent light units like the ones people use for there home( under £9 for1 x light tube and light unit/fixture from wickes). the tubes im using are 36w each and give a very good light.hope that helps.

 

[Littlemonkey]

I had thought of that but hubby has put his foot down as the lid we are using cost quit a bit and hubby says we are getting our monies worth, as it's not a year old yet. So hence I have to stay with the exsisting set and use something to light the ends. Thanks though.

 

[plecostomus-mad]

I had thought of that but hubby has put his foot down as the lid we are using cost quit a bit and hubby says we are getting our monies worth, as it's not a year old yet. So hence I have to stay with the exsisting set and use something to light the ends. Thanks though.

how much space inside the lid or outside of the lid, either side do you have to work with?