Can I upgrade my canopy somehow?

[RoxyDog]

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!

[attachment deleted by admin]

[murgus]

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

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

[BigDaddy]

Should be easy enough to put some T5HO's in there... the ballast is small enough to run the length of the strip

[RoxyDog]

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?   

[charlie]

when can you come over and help me BD?   

:)You know how to get it done

[BigDaddy]

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

[RoxyDog]

....and a reason to electrocute myself.  Again, when can you come over?     I'll trade you a night over babysitting so you can take BigMomma out on the town.