How to Build Reef Lighting

Availability of light in your salt water aquarium extends the life of the fishes populating it. An aquarium with photosensitive corals in it requires lighting similar to natural sunlight, and if it is absent or inadequate, the corals may die. The aquarium's lighting condition can directly affect the vital organs of the body of the fish and on the way they swim or eat. Building your own reef lighting is not difficult and can be undertaken by any aquarium enthusiast.

Things You'll Need

  • 3 T5 aquarium lights
  • Measuring tape
  • 5 wooden planks (equal to the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the aquarium)
  • Bulb clips
  • Rubber tubing
  • Screws
  • Phillips screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make a small wooden box 4 inches deep and marginally larger (0.5 inches wider and longer) than the aquarium. Screw the ends of each of the planks into one another with the wood screws. This box will fit on top of the aquarium and serve not only as a lid, but also as the light fixture.

    • 2

      Attach rubber tubing to the edges of the open end of the box with the screws. This will help to create a seal between the box and the aquarium top to prevent any condensation or water leakage.

    • 3

      Install the light clips with the included hardware in the top of the interior of the box. Make sure to route the wire on the outside of the box and to use ground fault interrupter actuated light clips, as these are designed to protect against electrical shock if installed in proximity to water or other hazardous locations.

    • 4

      Slide the T5 aquarium lights into the clips and place the light box on top of the aquarium. The T5 lights produce the correct spectrum of light for a reef setting (see the link in Resources for more information) with less heat, and they are cheaper to replace than other bulb types.

    • 5

      Turn the lights on by plugging into a wall outlet. Run the lights for 8-10 hours a day, being sure to turn them off at night to simulate a true "daytime" light equivalent.