How to Build a Hanging Light for a Saltwater Aquarium

Keeping an aquarium properly lighted is essential to the health of your plants and fish, and also a great addition of aesthetic beauty. A hanging design for a light is especially useful, since its distance from the water surface will protect your light from saltwater damage and keep the light from heating your water.

Things You'll Need

  • Plywood, 5/8 inch
  • White paint
  • Aquarium light rods
  • Bulb clips (2 to 4 per light rod)
  • Pre-wired waterproof end caps
  • 4 ceiling hooks
  • 2 chains
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose light rods that match the length of your tank. Depending on your aquarium's dimensions and needs, you may need to purchase multiple light rods.

    • 2

      Cut a board out of the 5/8 inch plywood that matches the length and width of the top of your aquarium.

    • 3

      Screw two hooks into the ceiling. These will be used to hold the chain that connects to your fixture, so note how far apart you've spaced them.

    • 4

      Screw two hooks into the top of the board. They should be the exact same width apart as the two hooks on the ceiling.

    • 5

      Paint the underside of the board white (the part that will hold the lights and face the water) to maximize light reflection. Apply a varnish or paint to the sides and top if desired.

    • 6

      Attach bulb clips to the underside of the board to support your light rods. You should need between two and four clips per light rod.

    • 7

      Fasten light bulbs to the bulb clips and attach prewired waterproof end caps to light bulbs.

    • 8

      Attach chains securely to the hooks on top of the board, and hook the other ends of the chains to the hooks on the ceiling.