Lighting

[Bugman]

I just bought a used 55 gl tank. It did not come with top or lighting fixture. I would like to have a planted tank but am not sure what type of fixture or lights I should get. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Also, it has a "brace" in the middle that would make me have to have two seperate covers. This brace is cracked were it connects to one side of the tank. Is there any adhesive I can use to fix it?

 

[happychem]

You can use aquarium safe silicone. Some would argue that the brace isn't necessary except for lighting. You may be able to remove it, but you should check with someone who knows more about it. Maybe try calling the manufacturer? Or even just leave it as is?

As for lighting, if you're going planted, you're gonna want a fair bit. The cheapest way is to get a piece of hinged glass cut to fit your tank top. Then you can buy shoplights really cheap. You could probably fit 4x40W of normal fluorecent lights. You by no means need to, but for $15-$20 you can buy a 2x40W at the hardware store.

If you're feeling a little craftier and have the money:
www.ahsupply.com
seems to be the best place to order cf lighting from.

 

[TKOS]

On the bigger tanks I believe that the center brace really helps to avoid letting the tank bow. I would actually try getting a marine epoxy or epoxy glue that can withsatnd high humidity. Not 5 minutes epoxy. I would think that silicone would be too flexible for that application.

 

[OrionGirl]

I would use a chunk of plexiglass. Cut a strip so that it overlaps both sides of the crack, drill 2 holes on each side, and use plastic bolts to hold it together. The brace is important, and while many will tell you they've had a tank for years without one for no problem--it will depend on the age and make of the tank. I have 2 newer 55's (within the last 5 years), and they both have the brace. An older tank--at least 15 years old--does not include the brace, but the glass is also twice the thickness of the newer tanks.

For lighting--I have PC's on my 55. Works well, but plants that grow low to the ground don't do well--just too deep.

 

[Bugman]

I was just checking out shop lights at Home Depot(LFS wants $50 for a one lamp). Besides hanging them from ceiling(wife would probabaly veto that idea) is there another way to use them? I was thinking of a "bracket" to lift them off the tank a little.

OG what are PC's?

I forgot to check at the LFS for an adhesive. I bought a light diffuser to cut up for a top( not the flimsy ones the egg crate one) thought I'd try it and see how bad I can screw it up.

 

[Bugman]

The broken brace is worrying me. It's broken too close to the side to try the plexi-glass trick. I was thinking of a bracket that would go on the outside and hold the sides together and still look halfway decent. If you have any ideas please let me know.


Epoxy glue, would it harm fish even after it has dried? It wouldn't be submerged unless a little got on the glass.

 

[slipknottin]

get a piece of glass cut thats that would fit perfectly from the front to back and is about 2-3" wide. Put that under the center brace you have now and silicone it in place.

If the current center brace is actually completely broken off on one side, just pull the entire thing out, its worthless now. The glass should hold it together fine if done correctly, most custom tanks and higher cost tanks use glass strips as a center support.