DIY Lights for a Freshwater Aquarium

Many branded aquariums come with a hood and complete lighting fixture. However, sometimes it is cheaper and more effective to build a custom unit, especially when dealing with custom-built tanks and hoods that don't have lighting. DIY lighting units allow you to customize the light levels in your tank in order to enhance fish behavior or plant growth.

Things You'll Need

  • Fluorescent light tube ("daylight" effect)
  • 2 fluorescent light tube clips
  • Fluorescent light tube controller unit
  • Fluorescent light tube reflector
  • Heat resistant silicone
  • 24 hour timer
  • Tape measure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the hood of your aquarium and find a suitable place in the hood for the light fixture. Many hoods have a section that is specially designed to house a custom light fixture. Select a fluorescent light tube that will fit into this space. For aquarium hoods without a specified area for a light fixture (such as custom hoods), choose a fluorescent light tube that is 6 inches shorter than the hood. Aim for at 1 watt per gallon for a basic tank and double that for a heavily planted tank.

    • 2

      Purchase a fluorescent lighting controller or controller kit that is rated to power your chosen tube. Always double check the wattage range of the controller.

    • 3

      Select a light reflector that is the same length as your tube. These can be purchased from an aquatics, exotic pet or DIY store.

    • 4

      Measure a line down the center of your hood and silicone the reflector in place. It should be evenly space from the left and right edge of the hood by about 3 to 4 inches.

    • 5

      Place the fluorescent tube into the fluorescent tube clips and space them 3-4 inches from each end of the tube. Apply silicone to the back of the clips and fix to the reflector so that the tube is central to the reflector. Lay the hood-reflector-clips-tube construct to one side to dry so that the top of the hood is placed on the ground and gravity pushes the siliconed items into place.

    • 6

      Once the silicone has dried, remove the tubes from the clips and attach the end caps of the lighting controller. Plug the controller in to check that it and the tube work. Unplug the controller and remove the caps from the tube.

    • 7

      Place the tube back into the clips on the reflector.

    • 8

      Place the controller in your desired location relative to the aquarium and place the hood on the tank. Adjust the hood as necessary to allow the leads from the controller to reach the tube. Note any points where you will need to cut notches in the hood to allow for the leads.

    • 9

      Use the saw or utility knife to modify the hood as necessary to allow for the controller leads. Always do this away from the tank.

    • 10

      Place the hood back on the tank and fit the controller caps to the tube. Ensure the leads are secure and not touching the water in the tank. Install the 24-hour timer on the desired electrical socket and set to eight hours. Plug the controller in and turn it on.