How to Install Retrofit Aquarium Lighting

The colors and textures in an aquarium can be magnificent: Bright fish, thriving plant life and intricate rocks draw fish lovers in with their beauty. Aquarium owners know that in order to showcase this incredible habitat, proper lighting is essential. As owners search for ways to accentuate the life in their aquariums, many turn to retrofit kits because they provide some of the brightest light around. Installing these kits is easy; with a few tools and a little work, your aquarium can look livelier overnight.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium with canopy
  • Retrofit kit
  • Screwdriver
  • 4 screws
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slide the first canopy mounting bracket onto the end of the retrofit track. Slide it down the length of the track to the far end.

    • 2

      Slide the second canopy mounting bracket onto the track, but keep it near the end closest to you rather than sliding it to the opposite end as you did with the first mounting bracket.

    • 3

      Adjust the brackets so that they are equidistant from the edges of the track. The brackets should be at least 2 inches from each edge.

    • 4

      Lower the assembled retrofit into the aquarium canopy with the brackets facing toward the bottom of the canopy.

    • 5

      Place a screw in each of the four mounting bracket holes that you can see from above. Using a screwdriver, tighten the screws to secure the brackets to the canopy. Test the brackets' security by jiggling the brackets to make sure they are screwed in and tightly attached.

    • 6

      Connect the power supply cord to the retrofit outlet. Plug in the retrofit to your power outlet.