Canopy Question

catfishcity

Member
ok so i plan on getting a 55-75 gallon tank, and i was going to build the canopy. does anyone have any pics of theres inside and out the they would post, would be a lot of help. also, i dont understand what ballasts and retrofit kits are, could someone please explain what they are and do. thanks for all the help.
 

groupergenius

Active Member
I can take pics of 2 that I made. First of all though, what are you wanting to keep in the tank? That makes a huge difference in lighting selection.
If you just want fish, standard flourescents are plenty. Plus they are cheap to buy and to run.
If your looking to keep some soft corals along with the fish, VHO or T5 is a good way to go. With enough of these in the canopy, you could also keep some hard corals as well.
For a hard coral/fish tank with possibility of clams and or Anemones, Metal halides with some VHO or T5 actinic supplementation is best.
The prices of setting these canopies up increase in that order as well.
Ballasts are what drive/run the bulbs. You will need them with all of the above setups. But the also increase in price depending on what you want to do.
Retrofit kits are kinda like barebone systems that are all matched up that you would install in the canopy.
I hope some of this helps.
 

catfishcity

Member
ok, i actually just looked at standard fluorescents and i think i am going to get them since they are a lot cheaper
 

veni vidi vici

Active Member

Here is the inside with the aluminum light rack on drawer slides.The rack will slide out of the back side so i have access to the inside of the tank

The rack is pretty much universal for any type of lighting you would like to install .i just added a piece if 1/4 plywood where needed for fastener backing.


 
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