I'm thinking I can squeeze 2 of these (http://www.hellolights.com/36wday71165s.html) over the small glass opening in my 35 gallon hex using this (http://www.hellolights.com/2xbalkit.html). So, considering that puts me over 2 watts per gallon, could I get away without a reflector? I have very limited options and I'm trying to squeeze lighting over a VERY small space (think the amount of space you'd have for a light bar over a 10 gallon) with a 22" deep tank.
Can I do this DIY fixture?
- Thread starter imahawki
- Start date
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Reflector means everything or you lose the top half of the bulb, at least. Have you checked out a 2x36w CF Deluxe Bright kit from AHSupply? http://www.ahsupply.com/36-55w.htm
There is an 18.5" wide by 4" deep window on top of the tank. That's all I have to work with. That kit is 7" deep so the second bulb would be shining onto black plastic, not through the window. I know I dont have an ideal situation, but this is the tank I have to work with. Basically anything wider or deeper than those dimensions wont work. The reason I suggested what I did was because I think I can angle the lights in my current light hood and get "most" of the output. I could do a 1x36w from that place you linked to but is 36 watts enough to do a planted tank with the 22" depth I'm working with.
Can you fit a DIY reflector around two bulbs? Not as efficient but better than nothing. Putting the lights at an angle potentially makes restrike an issue. If your goal is more of a low light, not medium light, tank it could be enough.
Zezmo
Aquarium Advice Addict
Perhaps one light on top, and a second light behind or on the side of teh tank.
I'm not trying to shoehorn people into an answer I want to hear, but I really dont want to do a light behind. I mean, when you look at the tank you're going to see the bulbs. That kind of defeats the purpose of having a nice looking tank in my opinion. Would 1 36w (which I could do easily) be considered low light and enough to at least do SOME kind of plants? I know my brother did live plants fairly well with a "plant light" bulb in the stock 14w fixture. I could order the 1x 36w kit with the reflector and it would be a snap to integrate seamlessly. Would that be a enough?
I will do so when I get it up and running. I need to order the light then, modify my existing fixture to hold it, do a partial water change, finish the fishless cycle, and then bring some fish and plants home. Phew, a lot left to do 
greenmaji
Aquarium Advice Addict
you could go for MH lighting.. 70 watts for reasonalbe light and 150-175 for a really high light/CO2 the works setup.. they would easily fit over your opening..
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