Tank top twofold Ps and Qs.

[Squeakfish]

First the Ps - the tank:
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u314/squeakaddict/100_0111.jpg

Here's the top close-up - white wire shelf, window screen, Nova T5 Retrofit lighting: (http://www.petmountain.com/product/retrofit-kits/504823/current-usa-nova-t5-retrofit-10%2C000k-slimpaq.html for the exact light I bought)
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u314/squeakaddict/100_0113.jpg

And the space left by the filter:
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u314/squeakaddict/100_0114.jpg

Best I could do on a college student's salary.

Now the Qs:


Does this setup work? None of my fish are high-class jumpers.



The wattage on this light is too low! 21 watts for a 40 gallon tank? Ugh, my 5 gal has better specs. What's best to fix this?
What should I use to close these dang open spots on either side of the filter?

And no, there's virtually no way to knock this top off as the shelf has pieces that hang over the edge. Also none of my fish are big enough to get stuck in the spaces between the bars on the shelf. Best they could do is smack their heads on the bars or the screen.

[Rbishop]

Embroidery matting.

[Squeakfish]

Embroidery matting.


....Eh?

[Rbishop]

A thin but firm netting sold in the craft/sewing areas. Also called cross stitch matting. It comes with various size holes, is flexible and esily cuts.

http://crossstitch.about.com/od/wastecanvas/p/plasticcanvas.htm

[legendaryfrog]

Looks like it would work, i see no problem. its up to you if you want to buy a better netting. As for the lights, the cheapest way is to go to home depot, and buy some shop lights. I was at home depot today and they were selling either 4 or 6 foot ones for around 20 dollars. And be sure to check out the bulbs from those stores, if you havent already. industrial lights are veeery cheap compared to the 20 dollar pet store variety. Just be sure to check out the kelvin ratings.

<6500k = yellow
10000k = white, blue-ish

personally, I like to use both at the same time.

[Squeakfish]

Sweet! I'll look up both the ideas today. Thanks guys!