How to Put Glass Between the Halide Bulb & the Aquarium

Using metal halide bulbs to light a fish tank aquarium has several benefits, like brighter lighting to help coral grow, longer lifespan and warmer ambient lighting temperatures to mimic the sun. Using metal halide bulbs, however, can cause problems because the heat produced can melt plastic enclosures and water evaporation can cause the bulbs to fail prematurely. Placing glass between the tank and the halide light will ensure your lighting system is protected and avoid plastic parts from being damaged.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Untempered plate glass
  • Continuous plastic hinge
  • Aquarium adhesive
  • Decorative handle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length (left side to right side) of the inside rim of the tank with a tape measure. Tank usually have a plastic rim mounted on the top to allow for a hood to sit on the lip. A glass separator should be a relatively tight fit lengthwise, so it's important to be accurate with your measurements. Remove 1/32 inch from your measurement to allow the glass separator to fit properly.

    • 2

      Measure the width (front to back) of the inside rim of the tank with a tape measure. Remove 1 1/2 inch from the width to allow for the hang-on-back filter, tubing and power head access. If you do not require this access you can keep the additional glass to prevent evaporation.

    • 3

      Have the glass hood cut to your measurements. Remember: It's important to be able to open your glass hood for feeding and maintenance. Have the glass cut across the width (left side to right side) at the 4-inch line. This should give you two separate pieces.

    • 4

      Place the two pieces of glass on a flat surface and apply aquarium-safe adhesive on each side of the seam that connects the front piece of glass to the back piece of glass. Lay the continuous plastic hinge on top of the glass and allow it to fully dry. A continuous hinge is basically a piece of rubber that will keep the two pieces of glass glued together while allowing you to lift the front piece like a door for an access panel to feed and clean the tank.

    • 5

      Glue the decorative knob to the access panel using the aquarium adhesive. This will make it easier to pull the access panel up. Allow the adhesive to dry before using it.

    • 6

      Place the glass hood onto the tank. It should sit on the lip of the rim, and you should be able to open and close the access panel with ease. The lid should be at the front of the tank, allowing for maximum clearance for equipment in the back of the tank. Once properly positioned, you can place the metal halide lamp on top of the glass.