Noob Lighting Question

[dhawker]

I have a simple question. I want to get a new light fixture for my 29 gallon. It is 30" wide, so I'm assuming a setup that uses 24" bulbs. I fully understand lighting needs for various tanks, etc.. but what I can never seem to find is info on IF IT WILL FIT ON MY TANK! Some have bracket legs, will they adjust to fit my tank? How can I know? Any suggestions? I'll probably spend around $100, and don't want it to not fit.

 

[OldMan47]

A 30 inch light is quite common to aquariums but hard to find pre-made. I have ended up going to places like AHSupply and ordering backfit kits from them. The end result is a high intensity light fixture fitted to my old light fixture, the one that came with the tank. The new fixture can contain a high intensity lamp while looking like the original equipment fixture. This is a 30 inch fixture fitted with a lighting kit.

This is a peak inside at the new 55 watt fixture contents.

 

[dhawker]

This doesn't really answer my question...or at least I don't think it does. I'm not looking for 30" lights. I'm sure 24" lights will work. What I need is a fixture that will fit my 30" tank. It is a standard sized tank, so shouldn't there be fixtures available that will sit on top that hold 24" bulbs?

 

[Bebobb]

Personally, I would go DIY. What I have seen a few of the members in my Local Aquarium Club do is make one out of an oblong plant planter.

Here is a link to what I am talking about:
http/okcaa.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=5835

 

[OldMan47]

I made the assumption that you had the original light strip that came with the tank, mine was just a suggestion of how to get a lot more light from it. Another alternative is to custom build a box to fit your tank and place a light strip inside. You can find original equipment type light strips at aquarium shops but they are quite expensive compared to getting them with the tank. Odd sizes like 30 inches are hard to find outside of a pet shop.
The tank lights with the legs on them do not seem to come in a 30 inch size. I have resorted to buying a 3 foot one and adjusting the legs to fit a 30 inch on one of my tanks. It works but it looks sort of funny to have it hang over the ends about 3 inches to a side.