Can't find lights that fit!!!

**tropicalryan** · 06-08-2011, 08:09 AM

So I have been searching for lights to fit my tank and cannot find any, my tank is a weird dimension I guess. I'm looking for lights to sit ontop of the tank with the provided legs and I cannot hang the lights (or this would be solved easily). My tank is 39.5-40 inches long (a 52 gallon I believe). Its planted so I am looking for T5 HOs and I do have pressurized Co2 and ferts. So far all I find is 36" and 48" fixtures. Is there anyway to get a 36" to fit my tank! or does anyone know of any 40" fixture. Also, I don't want anything too expensive. I have only been able to find this at 40": http://cgi.ebay.com/36-T5-HO-Aquariu...#ht_1928wt_905 , but I have heard bad things about these lights. I would like to make this fit: http://cgi.ebay.com/36-156W-AQUARIUM...ht_3195wt_1139 (might be a bit too light?) or a 36", 78W Nova Extreme T5

or one from fishneedit.com . PLEEASE HELP!

**DukeNJ** · 06-08-2011, 12:22 PM

The marineland double bright LED fixture would fit. It has the adjustable leg setup like thar eBay light. I have one mounted 20" from substrate and it is growing crypts, hygro kompakt and Vals just fine. Two would grow almost anything id expect, but haven't tried so can't say from experience.

I'd set on t5ho, call Catalina Aquarium. They may be able to create a custom sized housing. While your at it, have your 2-bulb fixture made from a 4-bulb housing. The extra spread between bulbs has benefits.

**DukeNJ** · 06-08-2011, 12:23 PM

Btw, you can always hang many fixtures if that is an option for you.

**tropicalryan** · 06-08-2011, 07:25 PM

might have to see if I can rig something up or see if Catalina can do it, I don't like those odyssea lights but they're the only ones that would fit without modification

**ShadowMac** · 06-08-2011, 09:42 PM

I've looked into how people make the metal poles that they use to suspend lights from. I was told bending 1/2" electrical conduit over your tank, attaching it to your stand, and hanging the light from that works. You can also paint it black or white before hand.

**nipat** · 06-09-2011, 05:52 PM

The size is nominal though, at least in my country.
Because the real size of a 1/2" steel conduit pipe is 18 mm OD or a nearly 3/4".

**nipat** · 06-09-2011, 06:08 PM

Your tank just needs extra 2" each for left and right from a 36" fixture.
Many fixtures have legs that can be extended beyond the body quite far.
So try asking the vendor/seller for details.

This is 24" fixture but you get the idea.

**tropicalryan** · 06-10-2011, 03:52 AM

hmmm never thought about legs that come out further from fixture-does anyone know of any that specifically are like this?????. As for hanging-the ceiling is pretty high and plaster. As for bending pipes, my stand is from petsmart (I no not a good idea) and is made of MDF boards that are not very thick, with a backing made of almost paper thin MDF that slides so I wouldn't really have anywhere to attach it to the stand.