DIY Aquarium Lamps

Whether you keep tropical freshwater or marine fish, lighting of the appropriate intensity and correct spectrum is important. Although most purchased aquariums come with canopies that includes light fixtures, building your own light unit will allow you to customize the light source for your specific aquarium and can be cost effective. Choose the correct type of lamps to ensure both natural fish behavior and optimal plant growth.

Things You'll Need

  • Fluorescent light holder with socket adapters and controller unit
  • 2 fluorescent tube clips
  • 2 fluorescent tubes (24 W)
  • Reflector material
  • Heat resistant glue
  • Drill with wood drill bits
  • Screwdriver
  • 8 screws
  • Controller leads
  • Timer
  • 0.24-inch-thick glass pane (cut to fit the top of the aquarium)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the fluorescent light holder in the middle of your upturned hood and mark the position in which it will be secured. Most aquarium hoods are designed with a suitable place to position a light unit.

    • 2

      Drill holes, just slightly smaller than the screws, and secure the light the holder in place by screwing it into the aquarium hood.

    • 3

      Cut the reflector material to fit inside the light unit. Apply glue to one side of the reflector material and glue it on the inside of the light unit.

    • 4

      Position the two fluorescent light clips in place and screw to secure.

    • 5

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

    • 6

      Attach the controller leads to the controller unit. Drill a hole from the outside of the hood to the controller if the hood does not already have a predrilled access port.

    • 7

      Place the glass "splash" pane on top of the aquarium

    • 8

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

    • 9

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

    • 10

      Ensure that the controller lead is above the "splash" pane.