OVAS

Aquarist Forums => Equipment / DIY => Topic started by: RoxyDog on January 24, 2007, 07:48:28 PM

Title: Can I upgrade my canopy somehow?
Post by: RoxyDog on January 24, 2007, 07:48:28 PM
Hello all you handymen (and women!).  Here are some pics of my Light Glo canopy.  It currently holds 2 X 48" 40watt T8's over a 77gal tank.  I want more light, but my tank doesn't have a top plastic rim, therefore kinda needs this canopy, plus I like it.  :)  Can it be rewired or something?  Is there anything I can do with this existing canopy to get more light?  Thanks!

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Title: Re: Can I upgrade my canopy somehow?
Post by: murgus on January 24, 2007, 08:04:30 PM
I can't see why you couldn't retro fit some T5 lights in there - something like this:

http://aquariacanada.com/osCommerce/product_info.php?cPath=1_74_89_91&products_id=1801 (http://aquariacanada.com/osCommerce/product_info.php?cPath=1_74_89_91&products_id=1801)

The link setup above would be HO bulbs so that would give you 2 x 54W.  You could also go VHO for the bulbs, that would be 2 x 110W.  Or get a 4 bulb setup - lots of choices!!  The bulbs that Ivan has at AC are more suited to the marine world (higher K values) but you can get them in more freshwater friendly flavours.  You could also retro fit some PCs in there as well...

I am not an electrician, nor do I play one on TV, but they say the retro fit kits come with very good instructions!

HTH,
Andrew
Title: Re: Can I upgrade my canopy somehow?
Post by: BigDaddy on January 24, 2007, 08:08:51 PM
Should be easy enough to put some T5HO's in there... the ballast is small enough to run the length of the strip
Title: Re: Can I upgrade my canopy somehow?
Post by: RoxyDog on January 24, 2007, 08:16:09 PM
Okay, thanks.  Next question, where else can I get the stuff to do that (not that AC is bad, just want options), and when can you come over and help me BD?   :)
Title: Re: Can I upgrade my canopy somehow?
Post by: charlie on January 24, 2007, 08:20:56 PM
Quote from: RoxyDog on January 24, 2007, 08:16:09 PM
when can you come over and help me BD?   :)
:)You know how to get it done :) ;D
Title: Re: Can I upgrade my canopy somehow?
Post by: BigDaddy on January 24, 2007, 08:27:00 PM
Litemore and HD will have the parts plenty cheap enough.  They quoted me $35 for a longhorse 7 (will power 2 54 T5HO)... a couple of tubes and end caps, and a visit to HD for some glue and bits and pieces ;)
Title: Re: Can I upgrade my canopy somehow?
Post by: RoxyDog on January 24, 2007, 08:30:30 PM
....and a reason to electrocute myself.  Again, when can you come over?   ;D  I'll trade you a night over babysitting so you can take BigMomma out on the town.  ;)