Do It Yourself Salt Water Aquarium Light

Instead of going down to the local pet store and spending an outrageous amount of money on a pre-made tank, you can save money by making your own fish light. The supplies you need for a do-it-yourself saltwater aquarium light can be found at the local hardware store. So consider making it yourself to save money and customize it for your needs.

Things You'll Need

  • Plywood sheet
  • Table saw
  • Sandpaper
  • Nails
  • Hammer
  • Wood Glue
  • Piano hinges
  • Lighting fixture
  • Light bulbs
  • Drill
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the top of your tank. Saltwater tanks vary in size, but the goal is to create a box that sits on the top of the tank with a hinged door with a light. The door can be opened to access the fish and change the bulbs quickly and easily. Use 3/4-inch thick plywood for your lighting canopy box.

    • 2

      Cut the four pieces needed for the main frame of the box. Cut two pieces that will be used for the front and back to the same size and two pieces the same size for the sides. Use a table saw for straight cuts and sand the edges to prevent cuts from splinters after you have cut the pieces.

    • 3

      Cut one small piece for the back, just large enough to accommodate one half of the hinges you will use. Cut it to the width of the front and back pieces and about 1-inch wide. Cut the last main piece of plywood for the lid itself. Cut it about 1/2-inch larger than the side pieces so that it overhangs just slightly, about 1/4-inch. You can also cut it so that it is flush, but if you try this, it has to be perfectly cut or it will look odd.

    • 4

      Assemble the box frame using the pieces you cut in Step 2. Use four 1-inch corner block to assemble the box as they will keep the box square and rigid. Cut the corner pieces from a one by one-inch piece of wood. Nail them on the side pieces, one per side, 3/4-inch in from the edge. Mail the longer front and back pieces to the side pieces driving the nails through the corner block from the inside.

    • 5

      Glue the thin, but wide hinge piece to the top of the box and allow to dry overnight. Wood screw it into the frame for more rigidity after the glue has dried. Attach the hinges to the 1-inch piece and then attach the last piece of wood, the lid, to the hinges as well. This will complete the canopy and you are now ready to attach the lighting fixture.

    • 6

      Attach the lighting fixture to the inside of the lid with the included screws. Drill holes on the back of the canopy to run the electrical cord out to the outlet and feed it through. Install the bulbs, place the canopy on your fish tank and plug it in to make sure the lights work. Raise and lower the lid to ensure that the hinges are working properly.