Lighting Options

uncheels

uncheels

Member
Hello all,
I bought my 35 gallon hexagon fish tank off of someone and a while back and I am in the mood to replace my existing lights. Right now I have 20" flourescent Aquarium Reflects 120 volt 19 watt 60 hz. Thewre is a blue one and a normal white one. (Yes I know that I am a newbie). I am interested in putting some corals into my tank and understand I need better lighting then Flourescent. But can I upgrade my lights without having to change my entire hexagon tank lid. Because currently, there is a light cover which fits into place on the lid. Hmmmm any thoughts would be very helpful.
 
uncheels

uncheels

Member
approxiamtely 2-2.5 feet tall its a stnadard 35 gallon hexagon tank. I know some coral would need to be closer to the light, but right now I dont knwo what my options are as far as lighting. Can I just upgrade my bulbs? Will they fit in the designed cover? etc THANKS!
 
scsinet

scsinet

Active Member
You have to use the lamps that your fixutre was designed to run. You'd either have to gut the plastic case of the fixture and drill-n-save a retro kit into it somehow (read: don't bother), build your own canopy and put whatever lights you want into it, or hang a pendant over the tank. A single 250w halide pendant would work great on this tank.
T5's would also work if you can find one that will fit properly, but I would recommend making sure your coral is near the top.
 
uncheels

uncheels

Member
Thank you, that is very helpful. One more question... I looked at buying the bulbs from this website, but are those bulbs universal? For Example, Can I get any clip on light, as long as it fits the deminsions of the light bulb and will the bulb work? Or do I need a special lamp for the bulb?
 
b-baby80

b-baby80

Member
Originally Posted by Uncheels
Thank you, that is very helpful. One more question... I looked at buying the bulbs from this website, but are those bulbs universal? For Example, Can I get any clip on light, as long as it fits the deminsions of the light bulb and will the bulb work? Or do I need a special lamp for the bulb?
The bulbs are made to fit their specific brand of lamp.Even if you got them to fit.It would shorten the life of the bulbs and would a hazard.Which with the cost of the bulbs.It wouldn't be worth it in the long run.I was trying to figure out the same thing not long ago.Hoping my husband could make something that would work and save alittle $$.I've decided to just buy the Nova Extreme.I just can't see scimping on such a important thing.Atleast thats what i've gathered while doing my research.
 
uncheels

uncheels

Member
Any recommendations for a clip on light system that I should buy? Where I should get them and how much I should expect to spend? Thanks so much for everyone's help
 
uncheels

uncheels

Member
Would this light be sufficient if I can figure out a way to mount it above the tank?
250W HQI Sun Replicator
Pendant by CoralVue
LT-CV-PEN-250
 
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