DIY hood and light

[Kuhlifan]

I'm thinking about ditching the low-output standard hood for my 20 extra tall aquarium and making a wooden hood with a few CFL bulbs in it. I don't think I'll have a problem figuring out how to wire it, but I am a little curious about some of the little incidental parts that might lead to disaster if I do it wrong.

As I imagine it, the hood would set on top of the aquarium and be raised a few inches, rather than the stock hood/light that is simply a standard flourescent tube that sits on a piece of glass in the hood. There will be a couple of CFL bulbs that will be placed evenly over the top of the tank. What I'm concerned about is splashing. Say I place the bulbs 3-5 inches above the water, would I need to place a layer of glass or plexiglass between them and the water? Basically, will a splash of water hitting them result in disaster? Or will simply mounting them be as good as anything?

 

[DoctaQ]

i put glass on top of almost all of my tanks

 

[pjrichar]

there is a DIY thread for this.. It has all parts you will need, very cheap. I converted all my plant flor strip lights to these..

 

[WeedCali]

Buy some Polycarbonate and make a lid for splash protection. not sure if it will warp but try to get the thinnest kind available as to let in the most light while also being strong enough.

 

[Kuhlifan]

polycarbonate?

plexiglass?

 

[dundadundun]

not just plexiglass... lexan

 

[pjrichar]

lexan is super expensive.....

 

[clogstonian]

I built my own hood out of 3/16" Black acrylic(plexi) works great, I use a piece of 1/8" clear that slides into notches along the edge, it warped a little, bowed really due to the heat from 2 65w CFs. it's nice and light weight. If you have a large tank (mine 40g) wood ight be a better choice because I did notice the sides bowed because of the heat . . . . seal the heck out of particle board though if you use that.

 

[iamvictor2k]

if you know how to cut glass thats the way to go. i hit up craigs list in the free section found some old windows tore them apart and cut my own piece. so much easier to clean and wont scratch unless you are cleaning with sand paper lol. good luck

 

[J double R]

a glass barrier is definitely a good idea, but lexan is another option. Expensive, yes.. I dont know about you, but I'd rather wait, save, and do something properly, than half-*** a job when my fish and ultimately electrical safety are on the line.