Aquarium Hoods

[houndour]

Hi,

I've given in to the fact that I need 2 lights for my planted tank. I'm no DIYer and to be honest I don't have the time to go out and buy all the stuff I need and then build it.

I've been looking for a ready made hood to accommodate 2 lights. But not having much luck. Someone on the hardware board suggested an arcadia luminaire, but my tank is second hand and has that lovely black plastic band at the top and one of these would look awful on top.

I've contacted one company who build tanks/cabinets to specifications to see if they will quote me on just a hood.

Just wondered if anyone has had the same problem?

I'm getting to the situation where I feel like for the cost of a hood I might as well buy a whole new tank, but then I'd want a bigger one but I don't have the room

Thanks
Sam

 

[houndour]

I just came across a post (http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=80053)) which talks about hoods for 2 or more lights.

I'm going to try Pets at home tonight. Otherwise there is:
http/www.urmstonaquatics.com/aquariumsglass.html

But £62 seems steep for a hood when I can get a bigger tank and hood for £100.

 

[Salt Freak]

Ya when I needed a two tube strip light all-glass makes a hood for that it is only like 15 dollars depending on what size you want. make sure the it says twin tube on the product when you are ordering.

http/www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod...4+113082+113565

 

[Pescado Guy]

www.AHsupply.com is a really great place to buy hoods as well as the lighting to go in them. I've never ordered from them but I've heard that they are a really good company to deal with and have really good products.

 

[rdd1952]

The only problem with the double strip lights is that you still can't get the wpg that you really need. You almost have to go to power compacs to get more than 1 to 1.5 wpg. A standard 30" tank takes a 24" strip and the larges you can get is 20 watts. That gives you 40 watts for a 29 gallon tank. You can get a PC light with double 65 watt tubes giving you 130 watts. It is definitely more expensive but if you have any plants that needs more than just low light, IMO you will need more that standard flourecent strips can give you.

 

[houndour]

ooops...I mentioned in another post but maybe havent changed my profile yet that I measured my tank (its been 2 years since I used it so guessed the measurements...) I have a 20 gallon tank. So 2 x 18 W bulbs isn't far off 2 W per gallon.

I went to pets at home last night and bought a hood for £40!!!! Dead expensive, but cheaper than anything I've seen so far. It's a 'wood' one. I reckon it'll have room for 2 lights in the back part.