Shoplight / Open Tank, Safe??

Gordofish

Gordofish

AC Members
Aug 5, 2007
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I have the cheapo 4 ft shoplight with 2 bulbs over my 55g, The standard 55g one bulb light was growing nothing so Im hoping to at least get something green going on in there now. But Im worried about water splashing or condensation or whatnot getting on the bulb/fixture and being hazardous. I could care less if the fixture stopped working but Id hate to have it start a fire or eletrocute the fish or whatever horrible things that could happen.

Has anyone successfully used a shoplight over the tank with no glass or anything in between? The fixture is sitting right on the tank rim its not hanging above it. Ive been watching it for the last few days and it seems fine, the plants are looking green, but Im worried about leaving it unattended. Any thoughts?
 
As long as there is some space between the tank and the light so that the humidity and evaporation doesn't get to the fixture itself...

I know I wouldn't be able to sleep soundly knowing my light was hanging precariously over my open tank.

EDIT: I just re-read your post and saw that you have the fixture just sitting on the rim of the tank. If that's the case, then I would say no, that's not the best idea. I would try to get a glass top made/fit to your tank a.s.a.p.
 
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i'd probably be a little nervous about that too....try getting a peice of glass cut at a local hardware store. it shouldn't cost that much
 
If you were to accidentaly knock the light fixture into the tank while it is on that would be bad news. Accidents happen.
 
I've hung a shoplight over a top-less tank, the only negative thing is the limescale that will build up on the bulbs, if their is alot of surface agitation or micro bubbles. But a shoplight is cheap and are also the 6700k T8 bulb packs too.
 
Been there, done that, shocked the crap out of myself.
 
Gordofish said:
I have the cheapo 4 ft shoplight with 2 bulbs over my 55g, The standard 55g one bulb light was growing nothing so Im hoping to at least get something green going on in there now. But Im worried about water splashing or condensation or whatnot getting on the bulb/fixture and being hazardous. I could care less if the fixture stopped working but Id hate to have it start a fire or eletrocute the fish or whatever horrible things that could happen.

Has anyone successfully used a shoplight over the tank with no glass or anything in between? The fixture is sitting right on the tank rim its not hanging above it. Ive been watching it for the last few days and it seems fine, the plants are looking green, but Im worried about leaving it unattended. Any thoughts?
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I used one over a glass top for about 2 weeks then it stopped working..
I think to much humidity for the light...:silly:
 
Im not worried about it falling into the tank because its supported by the center brace but the humidity was a concern. Ill just go find a place that cuts glass so I wont have to worry about it. Dont want to be shocked when its an easy fix. Thanks.
 
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