Things You'll Need
- Aquarium lighting canopy
- Fluorescent light bulbs
- Power strip
- Plug-in timer
- Optional: metal halide light bulbs, thermometer, water cooler, water heater, additional timer
Instructions
Install the fluorescent light bulbs in the aquarium canopy, making sure that when the canopy closed over the top of tank, the light bulbs are at least eight inches from the water surface.
Install the metal halide or actinic bulbs in the designated sockets, if needed.
Set the timer to turn on at a desired time in the morning (e.g., 6:00 a.m.) and set the time to turn off (e.g., 7 p.m.).
Plug the power cord for the lighting canopy to the timer.
Plug the timer into a grounded outlet in the power strip (which is plugged into an outlet).
Install a thermometer in the aquarium to monitor heat absorbed from the lighting and install an aquarium water cooler (and/or heater) if needed, to maintain the proper temperature range for your marine life.