DIY Fluorescent VHO Lights

Very High Output (VHO) fluorescent tubes provide an intense light of the correct spectrum for marine invertebrates. These reef creatures, such as hard corals and anemones require light of the correct color temperature in order to manufacture food for themselves. VHO fluorescent tubes are chosen by hobbyists as they produce light in the blue to purple range of the spectrum, which is ideal for invertebrate animals. VHO fluorescent lights are not as expensive as metal halide bulbs and since they do not give off as much heat as metal halides, they can easily be positioned within an aquarium canopy.

Things You'll Need

  • Work surface
  • VHO fluorescent tube holder with light sockets and controller unit
  • Two VHO fluorescent tubes (24 W)
  • Marker pen
  • Cordless drill
  • Wood bits
  • Clean cloth
  • Screwdriver
  • Two screws
  • Aluminum reflector material
  • One small tube of heat resistant glue
  • 0.72-inch glass pane, cut to fit on top of the aquarium
  • Electrical lead with three prong plug
  • Electrical timer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the aquarium canopy and place it upside down on a clean work surface.

    • 2

      Place the VHO fluorescent light holder in the middle of your upturned canopy and make two marks at the points where you will place the screws to hold the light unit. Many aquarium canopies have a noticeably recessed area in which light units can be conveniently positioned.

    • 3

      Drill two holes in the aquarium canopy at the points that you have marked. Remove any wood dust or metal dust with a cloth. Put the VHO fluorescent light holder in place. Ensure that the VHO unit is flush with the canopy and screw it tightly in place.

    • 4

      Cut the aluminium reflector material to cover the inside length and width of the light unit. Apply a pea sized amount of heat resistant glue to one side of the aluminium. Spread the glue evenly over the aluminium and glue it to the inside of the light unit.

    • 5

      Place one end of a VHO tube into the right hand side socket adapter. Position the opposite end of the fluorescent tube into the left hand socket and twist gently to secure. Repeat with the second VHO fluorescent tube.

    • 6

      Thread the electrical lead from the outside of the canopy and attach to the controller unit.

    • 7

      Position the glass splash cover over the aquarium.

    • 8

      Position the canopy on top of the aquarium.

    • 9

      Plug the electrical lead from the socket connection into the electrical timer and set the timer to the "on" position from 08:30 to 20:30.

    • 10

      Plug the electrical timer into a wall plug power source.