DIY Shop Lights for an Aquarium

Fresh water plants and marine corals require light to survive and grow. Coral species in particular, require light of both the correct spectrum and intensity in order to thrive and hobbyists often look to metal halide lights to fulfill these requirements. Metal halide and other lights designed specifically for aquarium, can be costly to purchase. For the hobbyist who is keeping mainly fish, such lights are not necessary. Normal shop lights will illuminate an aquarium sufficiently so that the hobbyist can enjoy the colors and behaviors of their fish. Fortunately, DIY shop lights are not difficult to install in an aquarium canopy.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium canopy
  • Fluorescent light holder, 32-inch with socket adapters and controller unit
  • Two domestic 24-inch fluorescent tubes, 24W
  • Two fluorescent tubes clips
  • Aluminum reflector material, 32-inch-by-6-inch
  • Small tin of heat resistant glue
  • Paint brush
  • Drill with wood drill bits
  • Screwdriver
  • Four screws
  • Controller leads
  • Electrical timer
  • Work bench
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the upturned aquarium hood on a clean, level work bench.

    • 2

      Position the fluorescent light holder in the center of the upturned hood and mark the sites where you will need to drill. Many commercially designed canopies contain a slightly recessed area into which most fluorescent light holders will fit.

    • 3

      Drill two holes, slightly smaller than the screws, at the marked points. Place the fluorescent light holder onto the canopy and screw it into position.

    • 4

      Cut the aluminum reflector material to fit the length and width of the light unit. Apply a thin layer of glue to one side of the aluminum with the paint brush and glue the aluminum on to the inside of the light unit.

    • 5

      Position a fluorescent light clip in the center of the light holder, between the two opposite socket adapters. Screw in the light holder to secure. Repeat with the second light clip.

    • 6

      Place one end of the first fluorescent tube into a socket adapter and gently press the tube into its clip before placing the other end into the opposite socket adapter.

    • 7

      Repeat with the second fluorescent tube.

    • 8

      Turn the aquarium hood over and place it on top of the aquarium.

    • 9

      Plug the controller lead into the timer and set this for a 12-hour light cycle.

    • 10

      Plug the timer into a wall power source and turn it on