Lighting question for a pain in the...

[cwr52506]

Hi

im new to this hobby and love it...
Been reading and researching and doing more researching and reading, but im having trouble with a lighting issue...
I have a 46 Gallon Bowfront Acrylic Aquarium 36x16 1/4x20 and heres the problem

its all 1 piece with a small piece in the middle of the 2 spaces were the light fixture fits in...
here is the hood... http://www.*****.com/Assets/product_images/1/1903412460C.jpg
I want to upgrade my light to a t5 lighting
does any one know what lighting hood would fit?
or should i just try to retro this hood?
i was looking at this...
http://www.**************.com/produc...0&pcatid=16770
any help would be great... i would like to get some corals going before xmas
thanks for anyone that takes the time to answer me...

 

[chrisnif]

I'd put a MH pendant or perhaps a 4x T5HO fixture with legs so it can stand up on the acrylic top of your tank

 

[cwr52506]

Ive already had a cardinal jump out and dieing the middle of the night thru that little slit in the back... what about when i have it fully open???
should that be a concern? or was that just a crazy 1 time thing?
?????

 

[flower]

Pendent MH lights will hang over the openings..again the problem of jumping fish remain.
There are also lots of very pretty coral that does not require allot of extra light, so you can use the lights you already have.
I am posting a couple of pictures of two such tanks. They require allot of care and homework to do it right, but frankly these coral are prettier than the basic ones most of us have here.

 

[cwr52506]

those tanks look amazing!
i love all the colors
i want to create a great underwater world
and great looking piece to look at...
i have 24 inch bulb right now...
would i keep that or go with 36 x 8 if i upgrade to a t5?
or what size for mh lights??

 

[phxfishguy]

A tip to prevent jumping fish... Go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy a piece of acrylic. They have a small cutting tool that you can cut the piece to fit over the openings. I have been using this method on tanks for years. Never had a fish jump out. I would recommend a thicker piece for the larger openings so they don't sag in the water.

 

[cwr52506]

thank you i will def check that out tomorrow

 

[flower]

Originally Posted by cwr52506
http:///forum/post/3184870
those tanks look amazing!
i love all the colors
i want to create a great underwater world
and great looking piece to look at...
i have 24 inch bulb right now...
would i keep that or go with 36 x 8 if i upgrade to a t5?
or what size for mh lights??

MH pendants: 2 X 150w would work just fine and you could have any coral or clam you want. When you set up your rock make a cave or some overhang ledges, not all coral wants to be under bright lights. That will allow you to have a variety of coral.
Happy Reefing!