DIY Reef Lights

Fish and organisms living in salt-water aquariums require a certain amount of lighting for optimal health. This is especially true if the aquarium is home to real corals that are photosensitive and need natural sunlight in order to survive. Ignoring these demands will eventually lead to the death of the corals. Just about any aquarium user can create her very own reef lighting set.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-inch by 4-inch Board
  • Plywood
  • Drills
  • 1-inch Wood screws
  • Rubber tubing
  • Light bulb clips
  • 3 Aquarium lights
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Instructions

    • 1

      Build a small wooden box, five inches in depth, and about one inch larger on each side than the aquarium base. Cut two-inch by four-inch boards with a table saw to the specified length and screw each piece of wood together using one-inch wood screws. Cut a piece of plywood large enough to fit over the frame created with the two-inch-by-four-inch boards. Screw the plywood onto the frame using wood screws. The wooden box will fit over the aquarium top, and serve as both the housing for the lights and a removable lid.

    • 2

      Place rubber tubes around the edge of the open end of the box. Attach the tubes with screws so they make a seal between the wood of the box and the glass on the top of the aquarium. Creating this seal will prevent any water leakage that may develop over the life of the aquarium.

    • 3

      Install the light bulb clips with the items in the package, following the manufacturer's directions. The clips should be placed on the interior of the wooden box. Place the wire on the outside of the box, and use only ground fault interrupter clips. These clips will help prevent electrical shock when installed near water. Working with electricity near water can be very hazardous.

    • 4

      Place the three aquarium lights into the clips. Screw the lights in all the way. Refer to the manufacturer's packaging and use only lights designated to fit in the clips. The lights need to produce the correct light for the reefs to survive. Place the wooden box on top of the aquarium and make sure it fits snugly.

    • 5

      Turn the lights on by placing the electrical cord into a wall outlet. The lights need to be run anywhere from eight to ten hours per day and turned off at night. This will provide the most natural environment possible for the coral.