DIY Reef Canopy

Reef aquariums are designed to house living coral, sea anemones and other invertebrates that live in shallow tropical waters. These creatures are dependent on sunlight because they photosynthesize in the same fashion as plants and trees. Therefore, reef aquariums need a lighting source of the appropriate intensity and spectrum. According to Alan Jardine, an experienced aquarist and former chief conservation officer of the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, very high output (VHO) fluorescent tubes are used in reef aquariums because they produce the required light without giving off excessive heat. Jardine recommends that these lights be positioned within an aquarium canopy.

Things You'll Need

  • Work surface
  • VHO fluorescent tube holder with light sockets and controller unit
  • 4 VHO fluorescent tubes (24 watts)
  • Aluminum reflector material
  • 1 small tube of heat-resistant glue
  • 2 paint brushes
  • 0.72-inch glass pane, cut to fit on top of the aquarium
  • Electrical lead with three-prong plug
  • Electrical timer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the aquarium canopy upside down on a clean work surface.

    • 2

      Paint a thin layer of heat resistant glue onto the back of the VHO fluorescent light holder.

    • 3

      Place the VHO fluorescent light holder, glue side facing the canopy, in the center of the upturned canopy and press down gently. Hold the light holder in place for a few minutes.

    • 4

      Measure the inside of the fluorescent light holder and cut the aluminium reflector material to fit within the light unit. Paint a thin layer of heat-resistant glue on one side of the aluminium and glue it to the inside of the light unit.

    • 5

      Place one end of a VHO tube into the left hand side socket adapter. Position the opposite end of the fluorescent tube into the right hand socket and twist gently to secure. Repeat with the second, third and fourth VHO fluorescent tubes.

    • 6

      Pass the electrical lead through the predrilled hole in the canopy from the outside and attach it to the controller unit.

    • 7

      Position the 0.72-inch glass splash cover over the aquarium.

    • 8

      Return the canopy, with the newly installed light unit, to the aquarium and place it carefully onto the aquarium.

    • 9

      Plug the electrical lead from the socket connection into the electrical timer and set the timer to the "on" position. Jardine recommends that the timer be set from 08:00 to 20:00 to allow the fish a 12-hour photoperiod, simulating a daylight cycle.

    • 10

      Plug the electrical timer into a wall power source and switch the wall plug on.